PETALING JAYA – The recent turn of events in Parliament where Putrajaya MP Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin displayed a shocking level of disrespect and uncouth behaviour, demands our attention and condemnation.
His actions not only tarnish the decorum of the august house but also appear to challenge the powers and decisions of the Malaysian monarchy.
He seems to have a troubling disregard for the constitutional authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
First and foremost, it is crucial to address Radzi’s choice of words. In a place meant for reasoned debate and discourse, Radzi uttered highly offensive and uncalled-for remarks against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
These derogatory remarks are not only disrespectful but also deeply unbecoming of a parliamentarian who is expected to uphold the highest standards of decorum and respect for fellow lawmakers.
What makes Radzi’s conduct even more reprehensible is that he is a former education minister. Is this the example that students should be seeing especially since it was broadcast live?
It is essential to acknowledge that the King, as the constitutional head of state, exercised his prerogative to pardon Anwar of his convictions.
This decision should be respected by all citizens, including members of Parliament such as Radzi.
Radzi’s move to bring up past allegations within the hallowed halls of Parliament not only reflects poorly on him but also raises concerns about his understanding of the separation of powers in Malaysia’s democracy.
The King's pardon is not a matter to be questioned or challenged by individual parliamentarians; it is a legal and constitutional process that deserves respect.
Moreover, Radzi's actions disrupted the parliamentary proceedings and led to a walkout by the opposition who were all set to hear Anwar’s explanation on Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s DNAA.
In fact, he is believed to have started the ruckus by laughing when Anwar was explaining the DNAA.
The opposition lost an opportunity to question Anwar directly on the matter, after raising much hue and cry that the issue be brought to Parliament.
Radzi’s actions and disruption not only hindered the functioning of Parliament but also undermined the very principles of democracy that it is meant to uphold.
By indirectly challenging the King's decision to pardon Anwar and resorting to disrespectful language, Radzi appears to be challenging the authority of the monarchy itself and making the royal pardon seem like a mockery.
This is a dangerous precedent to set, as it undermines the stability of the nation and the foundations of its democratic institutions.
Pol-secs calling for Radzi’s suspension
In response to Radzi’s actions, the political secretaries of all ministers have now taken a significant step by planning to submit a letter to the minister on parliamentary matters, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
They are calling for the suspension of Radzi for his “rude behaviour”. This move underscores the seriousness of the issue and demonstrates a collective commitment to upholding parliamentary decorum.
The prime minister's senior political secretary, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, has confirmed that the letter will be sent to Azalina by October 6.
This coordinated effort to address Radzi’s behaviour highlights the growing consensus that such conduct cannot be tolerated within the parliamentary setting.
The incident is a reminder that MPs should realise that they are there to serve the people and not their self-interests.
It is incumbent upon all Malaysians, regardless of their political affiliations, to condemn such behaviour and demand better from their elected representatives. – The Vibes, September 29, 2023
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