KUALA LUMPUR: Lawmakers' commitment in upholding the Parliament institution has led to the strengthening of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and birth of a parliamentary caucus on reform and governance among others, Speaker Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusoff said today.
He said the emergence of these parliamentary bodies was the realisation of the people's mandate following the 14th General Election (GE14) on May 9.
"This is the second (Dewan Rakyat) session held under the administration of a new government led by Pakatan Harapan.
"I am grateful that the mandate given by the people on May 9 and the reform agenda of the institution of Parliament as promised has been successfully carried out with the backing of Yang Berhormat (lawmakers).
"Strengthening the PAC, creating six Parliamentary Select Committees with their chairman and members, and forming a new caucus on reform and governance that crosses political leanings.
"May we continue to move together with the commitment to restore the sanctity of the Parliament as a legislative body that is open, free, transparent and in touch with the people," he said, to the knocking of tables in support of Ariff's closing speech on the last day of the second meeting of the first session of the 14th Parliament.
The lawmakers also burst into laughter when Ariff ended the speech with two Malay 'pantun', with the first one dedicated to M. Karuppaiya (PH-PKR-Padang Serai).
"Dulu turun sekarang naik, dulu kosong sekarang penuh, Harimau Malaya tetap terbaik, sokongan kami di Parlimen tetap utuh," Ariff said to amusement of Karuppaiya and everyone else in the Dewan Rakyat.
Ariff was referring to tonight's AFF Suzuki Cup match that will see Malaysia pit their skills against Vietnam at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
"Bintang barat terbit petang, bintang timur terbit pagi, jika tidak melarat panjang, penggal depan bertemu lagi," he said, eliciting more laughter.
Not to be outdone, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (BN-Umno-Arau) stood up and asked whether there would be any 'bermaaf-maafan' (seeking of forgiveness) session.
"Can too. I apologise if there's been any mistake (on my part)." Ariff said between chuckles.