KUALA LUMPUR – A talk show with politicians from both sides of the divide saw DAP’s Dr Kelvin Yii urging for Parliament sittings to resume so that lawmakers can raise their constituents’ grievances.
The Bandar Kuching MP’s call on Bernama’s Bicara Ruang programme last night was calmly received by Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who was recently made a special adviser to the prime minister.
Also present was PAS’ Pasir Puteh MP Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh, who encouraged consensus between government and opposition parliamentarians.
Dr Yii agreed that consensus is important, but said it can be reached only if Parliament reopens.
“With regard to issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic, you can’t close Parliament and prevent us from voicing out.”
Asked about the shouting matches in the House, where foul language is sometimes used, he said it is best for parliamentarians to watch their manners.
He pointed out, however, that such behaviour may be a display of MPs’ passion in bringing up issues facing the people.
“For seven months, Parliament has been closed. There are important issues such as (the emergency) ordinances that we must debate as they affect all.
“So, if we have been silenced in Parliament, do our constituents want us to remain quiet or do something to bring forward these issues?”
Faizal expressed concern that there are lawmakers using the Dewan Rakyat as an “entertainment stage”, saying a lot of time in the House is spent quarrelling.
“I understand that MPs may need more time to bring forth their proposals and arguments, but there are those who are using the time (in Parliament) to fight with the speaker.
“Sometimes, morning Parliament sessions finish later than expected, because time is spent debating the Standing Orders.”
On MPs’ allocation, he agreed that it is difficult for opposition lawmakers to serve their constituents well without proper funding.
He said it is ironic that when he was Perak menteri besar under the Pakatan Harapan government and intended to give equal allocation to all assemblymen, he faced opposition from PKR and DAP reps.
“Then, when I was menteri besar under Perikatan Nasional, I gave equal allocation to all, including DAP assemblymen in the opposition.”
Nik Zawawi concurred with the call for equality when it comes to lawmakers’ allocation.
“When I was in the opposition, we discussed this, but I want it to be practical. There must be compatibility between opposition and government MPs.
“The opposition must oppose what is unreasonable, so we can focus on what is reasonable.”
He said previously, opposition MPs who needed funds were called to the government side of the bench, but added that he believes Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is a generous leader who is willing to help all parliamentarians serve their constituents.
Also present was Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil, who called for parliamentary reforms to address the matter.
When funding is lacking, he said, parliamentarians such as himself are forced to dig deep into their own pockets to help their constituents, especially those who have been severely impacted by the pandemic.
The PKR man said the issue of allocation has been weaponised to secure support for the government.
“These funds must come from Parliament, not the government.
“My hope is that we can bring reforms to Parliament allowing all MPs to receive equal allocation.” – The Vibes, August 7, 2021
