KUALA LUMPUR: The chaos that erupted in the Dewan Rakyat earned the ire of visitors, with some calling for an end to the 'pasar-like situation' (as some describe noisy environment when many people talk at the same time, normally observed in markets).
The parliament's question-and-answer and debate sessions, which were hoped to shed light on government’s plans and projects turned into a war of words between members of parliament (MPs).
Visitors said the erratic behaviour of some MPs was uncalled for and did not reflect the Malaysia Baru image that the people were hoping for.
University lecturer, Jaafar Mat Akhir, said he did not expect the arguments between MPs would escalate to such an extent that the MPs disregarded moral and social values.
He said the chaos which erupted in the morning shouldn’t have happened, especially in the early stage of the parliament sitting.
“For a first-time visitor, I was appalled as I was hoping that the parliament session would be carried out smoothly.
“We have a new government that promises a new Malaysia, but if we look at the quality of their debate in the Dewan Rakyat, it was no different than a third-world mentality,” he said.
The sentiment was echoed by another visitor, Mohamad Hafiz Ali, 55, who expressed shock with what he had witnessed earlier.
He hoped that the session would be done in an orderly manner as it was being watched by many people including the youth.
He said the MPs had a responsibility to carry a positive image as they were the representatives of their constituents.
“If (MPs) want to show their prowess or act like thugs, parliament is definitely not the place (to do so).
“Dewan Rakyat must be respected and each of its members must protect the credibility of the House.
“Debate with good manners and knowledge; don’t waste the people’s votes,” he said.
An argument ensued in the Dewan Rakyat when Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) blurted ‘gangster’ remarks while intercepting a debate on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s opening speech earlier.
Datuk Seri Ismail Mohamed Said (BN-Kuala Krau) protested and stated the parliament Standing Order 36 (4) in demanding Ramkarpal to retract his statement.
The argument, which dragged until recess, reached a boiling point when members of both sides, including Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) and R. Sanisvara Nethaji Rayer (PH-Jelutong), stood up to defend their colleagues.