Rayer escalates Takiyuddin row, takes 'munafik' remarks to parliamentary committee

Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has formally escalated a dispute with PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan to Parliament's standing committee, rejecting calls for behind-the-scenes resolution. The escalation follows allegations that Takiyuddin had made remarks questioning Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's integrity, describing him with language suggesting hypocrisy. Nik Nazmi's decision to bypass informal mediation and pursue the parliamentary route signals the ruling coalition's determination to address what it views as serious misconduct by an opposition figure. The referral to the committee indicates the matter will now be handled through formal parliamentary procedures rather than private negotiations. Takiyuddin's remarks have drawn criticism from government lawmakers, who view them as an inappropriate personal attack on the nation's chief executive. The dispute underscores heightened political tensions between the ruling coalition and the opposition PAS party, which has been increasingly vocal in its criticism of the current administration despite both parties sharing Islamist ideological roots.