KUALA LUMPUR – Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim has reminded parliamentarians to observe proper decorum and not be led by emotions, shared Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
The Dewan Rakyat speaker has said His Majesty expects a world-class Parliament and for MPs to argue with facts, not a place for the public to scorn at.
“Tuanku conveyed this to me when I was granted an audience recently. I’ve discussed with my deputies to strictly enforce the Standing Orders.
“The MPs have had their first-year honeymoon. This time around, it is about getting things done.
“I’ll remind the MPs of the do’s and don’ts of the House on the second day (of the session) so the public will take us seriously.
“Parliament is the place where the laws of our country are drawn up. House members have to uphold the Federal Constitution and the Standing Orders,” he said during a high tea with the media at Parliament today.
The Dewan Rakyat resumes its session on February 26 with a royal address by the Agong.
Debates will start on the following day.
Meanwhile, Johari said Parliament would be the first of its kind to fully run on solar energy by June.
“Although the building is running on renewable energy, it will be backed up by a conventional set-up provided by Tenaga Nasional Bhd.”
He also shared that all MPs had complied with the compulsory annual medical check-up by last November.
“Some might look healthy and fit but have a lot of ‘rot’ inside.
“We want to ensure everyone is healthy because by-elections are expensive. I also saw that a total of 11 reps fainted during the sessions.”
The king’s reminder on parliamentarians’ behaviour echoes the message by newly minted Dewan Negara President Datuk Mutang Tagal, who called on members of the upper House to substantively debate issues, even if the views differed from the lower House.
“I urge all Dewan Negara members to debate with substance and in a constructive manner while firmly voicing your stand based on your respective field of expertise, even if such a stance might sometimes not align with decisions by the Dewan Rakyat,” he said after he was appointed today.
He also touched on the doctrine of separation of powers, noting that it was fundamental to Parliament as the only body that approves national laws and policies. – February 19, 2024