This video is in English. Scroll down for the Malay, Tamil and Mandarin versions.
Two exchanges. A few unforgettable words. And a debate that suddenly became about the language itself.
FindingOut Malaysia revisits two awkward moments from the Dewan Rakyat in 2018: Bung Moktar Radin’s F-word exchange and later withdrawal, and RSN Rayer’s “kepala bapak” remark and Mahdzir Khalid’s objection. The compilation combines original parliamentary recordings with narration, subtitles and a little language context.
These are separate historical events, presented by topic rather than in date order. The dates, constituencies and roles below refer to the time of the recordings.
Content note: The videos contain strong language and discussion of expressions some viewers may find offensive.
Moment 1 — Bung Moktar: The F-Word Exchange
7 August 2018 · Dewan Rakyat
Bung Moktar Radin, then the MP for Kinabatangan, was discussing prices and a visit to Selayang’s wholesale market when Willie Mongin, the MP for Puncak Borneo, interrupted with a question referring to a casino. The exchange became heated, and Bung’s use of the F-word prompted objections from other MPs. The official parliamentary record for 7 August 2018 preserves the wider debate and the ensuing exchanges.
What happened later? The video also includes the withdrawal discussion from later that afternoon. Bung withdrew the remark and acknowledged that the language was impolite, as FMT reported that day. The “Later That Day” card matters: the withdrawal did not immediately follow the first outburst.
A note on Bung Moktar: Bung Moktar Radin passed away on 5 December 2025, aged 66, in Kota Kinabalu, as reported by Bernama. The parliamentary footage featured here dates from 2018.
Moment 2 — RSN Rayer and Mahdzir Khalid: “Kepala Bapak”
31 July 2018 · Dewan Rakyat
A week earlier, RSN Rayer, the MP for Jelutong, was questioning the previous administration’s record on police welfare and facilities. His use of “kepala bapak” drew an immediate objection from Mahdzir Khalid, the MP for Padang Terap, who challenged the language and urged him to use facts in the debate. Malaysiakini’s contemporary account describes the exchange and the calls for the words to be withdrawn.
The selected footage lets viewers hear both Rayer’s remark and Mahdzir’s response. It is a reminder of how quickly a discussion about public services can turn into an argument over what is acceptable to say in Parliament.
What Does “Kepala Bapak” Mean?
Literally, the Malay words mean “father’s head.” In this exchange, the phrase works as a coarse dismissal, roughly along the lines of “nonsense” or “what rubbish.” The literal translation alone does not convey the tone, and its force depends on context and delivery.
Rayer later said that he meant “nonsense” or “mengarut” and denied intending an insult, according to MalaysiaGazette’s report of 1 August 2018. That was his explanation; Mahdzir’s objection shows that the wording was received differently in the chamber. The English comparisons in the video are approximate explanations, not exact or official translations.
Watch in Malay, Tamil or Mandarin
There are four versions of this compilation. The English video is at the top of the page; the Malay, Tamil and Mandarin versions are below. Each provides narration and presentation in the selected language while retaining the original speech in the parliamentary excerpts.
Sources & Editorial Note
The archival parliamentary excerpts are credited to FMT / Free Malaysia Today, carrying RTM / Parliament broadcast credits, and KiniTV / Malaysiakini. The linked parliamentary record and contemporary reports provide further context. Excerpts have been shortened for presentation; statements and allegations remain attributable to their speakers.
FindingOut Malaysia adds editorial narration, graphics and translations. Narration uses AI-generated voices; the parliamentary speech is the original recorded audio. The graphic cards are editorial composites, not additional documentary footage. Translations are FindingOut’s explanations, not official parliamentary translations.
FindingOut Malaysia is independent. The presentation does not imply endorsement by Parliament, the broadcasters or the people shown. Rights in third-party footage, photographs, music and other material remain with their respective owners. For factual, translation or source-credit corrections, please use our contact page and identify the relevant timestamp.
For a different side of Malaysian public life, explore Malaysia’s Three Prime Ministerial Tenors and Prime Minister Anwar’s Mixtape.