By Mohd Arshad Raji
As we the people take cognisance of the conduct (or misconduct) of elected lawmakers in Parliament, several critical questions arise.
First, what kind of government do the people desire?
Second, who would be the chosen prime minister from among the pool of political leaders that we have today, should there be another “Sheraton move” – which brought down Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Pakatan Harapan government and installed the Perikatan Nasional government led by Mahiaddin Yasin in February 2020?
Third, which political party and leaders can we trust to lead the nation out of this whirlpool of rising mistrust?
Fourth, is there any hope for the nation to eventually see political parties that are not based on race and religion?
Fifth, can politicians be trusted not to be tainted with corruption on a scale like the 1MDB scourge, which almost brought the nation to its knees?
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These fundamental questions are being asked by the people after having seen the barrage of criticism and comments levelled at the government by the opposition since the “unity government” came to power following the 2022 general election.
In the eyes of the opposition bloc, nothing done by the unity government seems right in their view.
Slandering among politicians has now become commonplace, and we continue to witness several cases of slander being brought before the courts.
Every initiative by the unity government is often met with cynical criticism by the opposition.
Even the prime minister’s decision not to take his salary is being questioned by an opposition leader, who became brutally cynical of the PM, claiming that the PM must be an angel for not taking a salary.
Such shallow arguments! Is it not downright absurd, if not blasphemous, to use the term ‘angel’ to describe a fellow human being?
Raising such personal issues in Parliament is preposterous. It is an ungentlemanly act that is unbecoming of an honourable member. Is this what the people expect of their parliamentarians?
Parliamentarians must realise that their presence in the august house is to debate issues for the betterment of the people and the country.
Instead of meaningful dialogue, there has never been a quiescent moment when political party leaders from both sides can get together, come to common terms and understanding, and resolve issues for the common good of the country and the people.
A healthy and meaningful debate in Parliament that touches the very core of the people’s needs is all that they desire.
The people are sick and tired of witnessing politicians engaging in issues that have little or no relevance to improving their livelihood and wellbeing.
Debates in Parliament are sometimes no better than scenes from a rowdy wet market. Frequent bouts of shouting, as if possessed by a demon, are now becoming common place in Parliament.
Indeed, there were even occasions where profanities were traded. The MPs’ language and choice of words in heated exchanges could easily qualify as that used by people with unstable and unlearned minds.
Truth be told, whoever shouts the most may be deemed to be intellectually bankrupt and mentally deficient.
For those of my generation who witnessed the first parliamentary session after independence, we can see the marked difference in the stature of our first parliamentarians, who conducted themselves with utmost decorum and respect for one another when debating issues – thus, earning the term “august house”, as Parliament was rightly sometimes called.
With these days of shouting and disruptive behaviour during debates, can Parliament still be referred to as the august house?
Politicians and their family members must therefore remain above all acts that are deemed repugnant to a society they are part of.
The nation was then under the stewardship of the first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra. He was undoubtedly the most able and visionary PM, who proclaimed, among other things, that all citizens, regardless of race, were not to be considered immigrants.
His personality during parliamentary sessions or when he was among the people was exemplary, charismatic and gentle, and his happy demeanour was a true reflection of his royal status.
Tunku was never known to use harsh words, nor would he show anger to anyone. He personified the characteristics of a distinguished leader. This is something that our present generation of politicians, especially the younger ones, should emulate.
MPs should be mindful that parliamentary debates are broadcast live on TV and are viewed by thousands at home and abroad. MPs, being addressed as “Yang Berhormat” (honourable members) should present themselves as people of high intellectual capacity. They should be immaculate in their personal appearance and be accessible to their constituents.
It is important that debates demonstrate quality and be intellectually acceptable to the public, including netizens.
There is therefore much that our parliamentarians must learn to become good, effective, resourceful and meaningful members of Parliament. The people desire constructive, meaningful and cogent arguments and debates. They do not want to be disturbed by MPs’ personal and petty issues during parliamentary sessions.
Most importantly, being a politician is not about enriching oneself and one’s family. Rather, it is about serving the country and the people as a priority over other matters.
Perhaps it is time we galvanised the people to blow the cover off all those politicians living beyond their means. The media must partner in this initiative without fear or favour.
Retired Brigadier General Dato’ Mohd Arshad Raji was the founder president of the Malaysian National Patriots Association (Patriot) and is now its advisor.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
