KUALA LUMPUR – The Dewan Rakyat descended into a shouting match today after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim rebuked opposition MPs for branding him a “pengkhianat negara” (traitor to the country) over ongoing maritime boundary negotiations with Indonesia.
Anwar said the talks had not been concluded and warned against premature or inflammatory claims on matters involving national sovereignty.
“Even if there is no appreciation for those who worked on the maps, there is no need for rude remarks. If you do not know, ask. If you do not know, do not hurl insults,” he said, referring to Pendang MP Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim, according to the New Straits Times.
Perikatan Nasional MPs objected, with Datuk Rosol Wahid (Hulu Terengganu) and Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (Machang) accusing Anwar of making unparliamentary remarks under Standing Order 36(12).
Awang defended his remarks by citing an Indonesian police claim that 5,207 hectares of Malaysian territory had been absorbed into Indonesia, insisting he had only raised questions. Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar) rejected the claim as fake news and demanded a retraction.
As tempers flared, Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul asked Anwar to conclude, but Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) rose to seek a ruling on the prime minister’s remarks. Anwar stood firm, saying he had been subjected to rude accusations of being a traitor.
“This is what we need to correct,” he said, triggering fresh protests.
Awang said it was merely a question, prompting Howard Lee (PH-Ipoh Timor) to retort that it was “rude, full of abuse and insults”. When Awang attempted to continue, Mohamad Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) shouted for him to sit down.
The exchange escalated when Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) yelled “Penjilat duduklah!” (Sit down, bootlicker!), prompting calls for a retraction.
Anwar ended by reminding MPs that issues affecting national interests, including borders, must be debated responsibly and without insults. – February 4, 2026