A BACKBENCHER'S use of the word "treason" in reference to comments by Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) on the King's speech in the Dewan Rakyat created a furore among the opposition.

Fong Poh Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) said there should be no dispute over the question of loyalty to king and country and called on the chair to get Razali Ibrahim (BN-Muar) to withdraw the word.

"Because all the MPs had taken their oath of loyalty and expressed their allegiance every time they sang the national anthem Negaraku, it is not right to question our loyalty to the king."

Datuk Dr Mohamad Shahrum Osman (BN-Lipis) said taking the oath of loyalty and singing the national anthem were not enough in demonstrating one's allegiance to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"It must be reflected in our conduct. At times, our friends on the opposition bench speak with such vigour, to the extent that some feel they are not being loyal. Words must also justify our claims of loyalty."
Deputy speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar ruled that Razali did not intend to question Karpal's loyalty.

Yesterday, Karpal had asked the deputy speaker to make a decision on Razali's remark that he was disloyal to the rulers.

"Just because I had wanted to know who had written the text of the royal address, it does not make me disloyal to king or country."

The Bukit Gelugor MP, referring to the Standing Orders, said an MP could not use the word against another in the House.

Razali said he had never accused Karpal Singh of being disloyal, but merely wanted to know if he was in treason when he asked to know the identity of the person who prepared the king's speech.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said who prepared the text of the royal address should not have been raised at all.

Wan Junaidi put an end to the debate by telling both sides it was up to the government to decide on what to do about Karpal's question.