Kuala Lampur, Feb. 5 -- Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul yesterday ruled that the issue of the so-called royal addendum, which would allow former prime minister Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his jail term under house arrest, should not be raised during debates in Parliament, as the matter is still pending in court.

The ruling came after heated exchanges following Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin's (PN-Larut) accusation that the prime minister was guilty of treason for his silence.

"This is my ruling, owing to Standing Order 36(2), which deals with matters in court ... I disallow it," Johari said.

Call it a parliamentary gag order, if you like, but such gag orders have been made before.

Let's recall the ru...