KUALA LUMPUR: Proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat turned tense today following a war of words between government and opposition MPs over the word "munafik" used in reference to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The exchange erupted after RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) invoked Standing Order 36(1), objecting to the use of the term by Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Baru) during the debate on the Supply Bill 2027.

Rayer argued that the term should not be allowed in the Dewan Rakyat, describing it as highly derogatory, particularly when directed at the prime minister.

"The word 'munafik', which refers to despicable behaviour, was used against the prime minister. That was an improper use of the term. Are we going to allow such a word to be used? Everyone here heard it," he said.