From January onwards, those found smoking in prohibited areas, including all eateries, will be compounded RM250. Those who fail to pay the compound can be charged in court, where they are liable for a maximum fine of RM10,000 or two years in jail. But what if he is an MP?!
On Aug 6, a 9-second video clip showing our Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein sneaking a puff while wearing a face mask in Dewan Rakyat went viral on social media.
Sorry, I didn't realise – it's a new habit. I apologise to the Dewan and promise to not do it again 😔 https://t.co/2BdUl6D9K2
— Hishammuddin Hussein 🇲🇾 (@HishammuddinH2O) August 6, 2020
He admitted his wrong doing in Twitter saying ” Sorry, I didn’t realise – It’s a new habit” and promised not to vape in Dewan Rakyat again.
On Aug 10, PH-Kluang Wong Shu Qi raised the issue in Dewan Rakyat again, and stressed Government should look into this matter seriously, ” We shouldn’t tarnish the government image where it is seen like we have double-standard, citizen out there get fine when they smoke in public places while an MP is not been taken any action caught vaping on camera in the Dewan Rakyat.”
However, Hishammuddin replied to Wong: “I was compounded for it and paid the fine. As I had stated, a wrong is a wrong and I had admitted to it and apologized.”
“So if Yang Berhormat from Kluang still wishes to play politics in this August House, there are still many more issues for us to discuss,” he said, reported by Malay Mail
Wong said she raised the matter last week under Standing Order 41(d) that states that an MP is not allowed to smoke in the Dewan Rakyat when a sitting is in session.
Deputy Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon took note that Hishammuddin had apologized for his action and requested Mohd Redzuan to continue with his replies.
Fellow Malaysian, what do you think?
Info via Straits Times