If the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will stage a historic fight at the White House on July 4, 2026, what’s stopping Malaysia from taking it to the next level by setting up an Octagon in the Dewan Rakyat?
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul could play Dana White. Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman could be the referee, while the other MPs can go wild, banging tables and shouting at the top of their lungs, cheering for Pendang MP Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim and Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, who could occupy the respective corners.
Before anyone says such a suggestion disrespects the legislative body of the land, kindly watch the episode involving Awang and Rayer in the Dewan Rakyat on Aug 13 that left Johari fuming yet again.
Johari’s patience has been tested repeatedly due to the constant and unnecessary banter among the MPs. Yesterday was no different, as he was forced to shout at Awang and Rayer, saying: “Pendang and Jelutong, please behave. Kalau tidak saya (If not, I’ll) suspend (the both of you). Kalau nak keluar, keluar elok-elok, jangan (If you want to leave, leave properly, don’t) provoke.”
He went on to say: “Wakil rakyat apa macam nie (What type of elected representative is this). Malu kat orang (It’s shameful). Very shameful of you all. Shameful! Dah tua pun, bukan budak-budak (You’re old, not kids). Nak bergaduh (You want to fight).”
A video recording taken in the Dewan Rakyat showed Awang gesturing to Rayer in what seemed to be an invitation to duel outside the hall, with Awang walking towards Rayer only to be stopped by several MPs, including Syed Saddiq, who quickly made his way to the scene.
While the parties concerned will have their versions of what truly transpired, leading to the tense moment, Johari today said he will conduct a comprehensive investigation and rule on Aug 18 over the alleged “fight” invitation.
Such antics are not new. Malaysians – in fact, the world – have seen how MPs behave during parliamentary sittings. They shout, spew vulgarities, mock the fairer sex, and are champions at throwing wild accusations not backed by facts. The same time would be better spent speaking about bread-and-butter issues that affect their constituents.
Such behaviour tends to rile up supporters – the blind extremists who believe these feuds are as intense as the rivalry between UFC lightweights Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria, or Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor.
If only Parliament provided live coverage beyond the halls, showing how lawmakers across divides ‘kiss and make up’ and even share notes over teh tarik at the cafeteria. Some get carried away with such sessions that they don’t even sit in the Dewan Rakyat, despite demanding answers from ministers.
This happened today as Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo was prepared to answer Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayshal Wan Ahmad Kamal’s question in the Dewan Rakyat regarding Digital Nasional Berhad, but the latter was nowhere in the hall, forcing Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Alice Lau Kiong Yieng to move on to the next question.
Gobind’s special officer Mandeep Singh, who was also in Parliament, posted on X that Wan Ahmad Fayshal had missed his session as he was at the cafeteria, “chatting with several individuals.”
The days of political parties wanting a loud voice among their elected representatives are far from over. What MPs should do is learn to control their emotions, be disciplined, and set a good example. They must remember their words are documented in the Hansards and that they will be judged by their great ideas or silly statements in years to come.
MPs must not forget that young children also visit the Dewan Rakyat and watch the proceedings. These students should be looking up to refined individuals, not ruffians.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh last month mooted using combat sports to instil discipline in children and train them to control their emotions and actions.
In addressing bullying in schools, Yeoh said: “We must not give up on these children. We can guide them and help channel their energy into sports. Combat sports are governed by rules, and through them, students can learn discipline.”
That’s a good idea. Combat sports teach respect, discipline, and the importance of defending first before going on the attack.
What would make the idea even better is for Yeoh’s ministry to start the initiative among Parliamentarians first. Teach them how to protect their jaws before trying to throw a punch. After a few sessions on the mat, they may even think twice about ever engaging anyone aggressively.
To paraphrase Yeoh: “We must not give up on these MPs. We can guide them and help channel their energy into sports. Combat sports are governed by rules, and through them, MPs can learn discipline.”
