It is good that the Government has decided to continue live broadcasts of proceedings during question time in the Dewan Rakyat. The public can then plainly see the ones mainly responsible for creating a ruckus.

Who are the Parliamentarians repeatedly indulging in interrupting the Speaker’s efforts to maintain order and decorum, harping on trivial matters which do not benefit the House, and ultimately, the people?

How is Parliament to successfully proceed and conclude the business of the day, when certain members persist in standing and interjecting, with utterances that have no bearing on the questions that are about to be answered?

The first day was significant, when the Prime Minister himself was present to answer relevant and important questions, and he elaborated on measures taken by the Government in the implementation of the 9th Malaysia Plan.

But it would seem that some wise guys were not focused on the matter, and only interested in trying to show that they were there in the flesh, heroes of Parliament. To many ordinary folk watching the show, they looked rather silly. They also do not seem to appreciate the fact that their unwarranted and often rude interventions badly compromised the smooth functioning of this noble institution. It did little to assist the administration of programmes for the rakyat.

The public can note the true nature of a particular group of honourable members, and how, in fact, they are doing a great disservice to the nation. Are they of the caliber expected of law-makers?
The exposure will let the people judge for themselves.

Dato Dr. S. Vijayaratnam,
Vice President,
Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia.