WORKAHOLIC: Today marks the last day of Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang’s six-year tenure as the 16th Dewan Negara president. Coming from a background as a police officer, lawyer, assemblyman and member of parliament, he went on to become one of the most prominent presidents of Dewan Negara. Zafira Anwar and Laili Ismail have the story
Q: How did you go from being a police inspector to being involved with politics?
A: I joined the police force as an inspector in 1965, and I was privileged to have served all six prime ministers, either directly or indirectly. I felt the need to better myself academically as I only had a Cambridge School certificate at that time.
I was granted a scholarship and the police, under the leadership of the then inspector-general of police Tun Hanif Omar, granted me unpaid leave, the first of its kind among policemen.
In 1974, I enrolled in a Barrister-at-Law degree at Lincoln’s Inn in London. Upon returning, I served the force for another two and a half years and later joined Umno. I never dreamt of becoming a politician as I was already doing well as a lawyer. But after much persuasion by friends and party members, I contested in the 1986 general election, which I won handsomely and, from then on, there was no turning back.
Q: Tan Sri, you have served the Dewan Negara for two terms. Could you tell us how you started?
A: Well, I have never thought that I would be here (in Dewan Negara). On April 20, 2010, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak called me at 12.45pm to offer me the position of Dewan Negara president. I accepted the offer and was sworn in six days later.
I am here until now, and tomorrow (today) will be exactly six years of me serving as Dewan Negara president. I have no qualms as I enjoyed my stint (service). I am grateful to Allah for giving me good health.
Q: There are some people who say that Dewan Negara is nothing more than a rubber stamp. What is your take on this?
A: When I first came into office, my mission was to make Dewan Negara a body that is respected and to champion our parliamentary system.
I knew people had been painting the Dewan Negara as a rubber stamp for quite some time. Whenever I was chairing the sitting, I would tell the house to buck up and talk sensibly, talk with substance and not nonsense.
Q: In your opinion, what is the most important value every member of parliment and senator must have whenever they are at Parliament?
A: Respect. They need to respect the house as every senator and member of parliament took oaths to respect the rules in the standing order and abide by the Constitution. These two rules, the standing order (of Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara) and the Constitution must be well understood and fully complied with.
Q: What is your advice to those disrespecting the house and using Parliament as a platform to utter racial remarks?
A: Even members of parliament don’t have total immunity. They must remember that they can make the law, but once a law is passed, they are not above the law. You are the lawmaker, you must abide by the rule of law and, if you don’t like that particular law, make a decision in Parliament and do away with it, just like the Internal Security Act. Do not cause any problems with the police.
Q: Has it always been like this?
A: No, it wasn’t like this until 2008, when the opposition had more seats in Parliament and some were seen getting swayed by emotions when airing their views. We want to see a healthy opposition and we welcome them as we do not want to have a one-track mind.
In the past, opposition members like Tan Sri Dr Tan Chee Khoon and Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, when he was with DAP, were vocal but spoke considerably while respecting the house.
Dr Tan Seng Giaw, too, debates well and bases his arguments on personal thinking without igniting racial disharmony.
I’ve been telling each member that they can say anything in the house.
Don’t hold your punches, air your views as long as they are for the good of the country.
Q: What are some of the bills that were difficult to pass in the Parliament that is also memorable to you?
A: The National Security Act’s (NSA) aims are very good and noble, but the way it was drafted was bad. We do not want to pass any law that, one day, if challenged by anybody, will go to court, which would make it difficult for judges to make decisions. I hope that one day, the government will make amendments to the act (NSA) to rectify any grey areas or uncertainties. This applies to any act.
Q: What are your recommendations to transform Parliament?
A: We should have a special committee for Parliament to oversee the way bills are passed. We do not want to simply bulldoze bills and expect people to read within a short period of time. If you want to change laws, you must do it according to the current requirements. Law is a living subject. As and when people progress, let’s go along according to the times. We cannot be left behind.
Q: What is your most memorable experience in representing the country abroad?
A: I was lucky to able to attend the fourth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in New York last August, which is only organised once in five years. There were hundreds of speakers from all over the world and each of us were only allowed to speak for four minutes, during which I took the opportunity to touch on important issues such as the MH17 tragedy. I made it clear that the Malaysian government is of the opinion that whoever shot the plane must be taken to task according to international law.
Q: You are known as the no-nonsense man. What are the “must-have” traits that are important to have as Dewan Negara president?
A: I was brought up in a family where I have been taught not to take things that are not mine. I have always been reminded of the Malay saying — “Buat baik berpada-pada, buat jahat jangan sekali” (Do good things prudently, do bad things not even once). It is also important to know how to control your temper. No matter how angry or how much you suffer, do not show it. Just “smile”.
Q: What are some of your best memories during your six-year tenure?
A: I had visited various countries in the past six years, an opportunity that I would not have had if I had not taken up this post. I have visited China, Japan, Russia, Czech Republic, the United States and many more. I made sure that whenever I represented the country, I gave it my all. I enjoyed meeting people, especially heads of government.
Q: Do you have any heads up for your successor in terms of challenges that he will probably face?
A: We cannot predict future challenges, but I have set a certain aim. I pray and hope my successor will pick up where I left off and take Parliament, particularly Dewan Negara, to greater heights. Please do not try to go back to square one. I am ever prepared to share my experiences and help in whatever way I can.
Q: What are your plans for the future? What is next for you?
A: I am a workaholic. I am grateful for my good health. As long as my mind is clear, I am prepared to continue serving the people. Not necessarily in politics, but for the betterment of the country. Perhaps, I will join a non-governmental organisation of some sort.
Q: How do you keep yourself healthy?
A: I have enjoyed good health throughout my 72 years of living. I was a very active sportsman. I have played rugby, hockey and football, but these days I just play golf to sweat it out. I maintain an active lifestyle and a balanced diet. I also try to avoid being stressed out because stress will jeopardise your health.