Nationalist MP Clyde Puli last night requested the protection of the Speaker of the House of Representatives after Labour MP Joe Farrugia passed remarks which Mr Puli interpreted to be threatening.

When asked by the Speaker to explain his position, the Labour MP said that he was joking.

The incident happened midway through a marathon sitting in which the Opposition called for a division each time a vote was to be taken on the strategic plan for environment and development.

It was during one of the 20-minute breaks established by parliamentary regulations that the incident occurred, reportedly on the bridge that separates the two sections of the parliament building.

The Speaker said that incidents such as those between the two MPs should be avoided.