‘Live up to your title, MPs’

Lawmakers advised to maintain decorum following heated exchange in Parliament

In light of the shouting match that occurred in the Dewan Rakyat, Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called on Members of Parliament to uphold their title as “the honourable member of the House” (Yang Berhormat) and exhibit more respectfulness. He expressed his views in an interview, stating that MPs should refrain from screaming, shouting, or insulting one another.

Additionally, Wan Junaidi urged MPs from all parties to be more accommodating towards opposing parties and listen to differing opinions. He made these remarks after the recent incident in the Dewan Rakyat, where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was providing an explanation regarding Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s graft case.

Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), the opposition leader, walked out of the parliament along with several other MPs in protest against the Speaker’s decision.

Wan Junaidi criticized this act, stating that leaving the parliament would only disrupt proceedings unless the issue violated the rules or involved a statement that breached the law.

He further emphasized that walking out hindered the purpose of the Dewan Rakyat sitting, which was to provide an opportunity for MPs to listen, express their views, and engage in democratic practices.

If MPs walk out, there is no one left to listen to the explanations given,” he added.

Wan Junaidi expressed his intention to create an inclusive environment within the House that promotes healthy debate among MPs. Both he and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul are working towards establishing guidelines for lawmakers’ decorum in both houses.

Regarding MPs’ behavior during parliamentary sessions, the Dewan Negara president stated that the responsibility lies with the MPs themselves.

He also urged the public to elect candidates who exhibit good behavior and manners during elections.

Tawfik Ismail, a former MP and son of the country’s second deputy prime minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, highlighted the importance of MPs being mindful of their words in the House, as they will be recorded in history.

“While we expect many things from MPs, not all will be remembered. However, as all utterances are recorded by Hansard, it is in the interest of MPs to remember that history will judge their words and their impact on current events,” he said.