Selangor Sultan reminds speakers to discharge duties without bias

SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today reminded State Legislative Assembly and Parliament Speakers to discharge their duties effectively and not to favour any political parties, be it the ruling party or the opposition, during the sittings.
He said this would ensure the august houses of representatives could play their role well and abide by the true principles of justice.
“The Speaker must ensure all members of the houses always abide by every regulation and guideline as stipulated,” he said when opening the 2017 Malaysian Conference of Parliament and State Legislative Assembly Speakers here today.
Also present were Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, Dewan Negara Speaker Datuk Seri SA Vigneswaran and Selangor State Assembly Speaker Hannah Yeoh.
Sultan Sharafuddin said as Speakers, they should play their part to control situations when arguments broke out among members of the house.
“Members who want to debate an issue or express their opinions must do so courteously and to abide by the Standing Orders.
“I do not want there to be instances of members lashing out at each other in the house, using harsh words which insult others, without controlling their emotions,” he said.
The sultan said courtesy and manners were important when debating as it proved that Malaysia had mature leaders with integrity.
He also reminded the Speakers, as well as state assembly and parliament members, to uphold the sovereignty of the royal institution and the system of constitutional monarchy as part of the important elements in Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly.
He said the role of the royal institution, particularly in the state legislative assembly, was not merely a symbol during official event, but that of its authority to pass bills that were discussed.
“As such, all parties, especially the Speaker, are reminded to respect and heed the royal institution which is the symbol of strength of the race and nation,” he said.
Sultan Sharafuddin also suggested that Parliament and State Assembly sittings should not be held until after midnight.
“This is because the minds of all parties, including the secretariats and rapporteurs are not at the optimum level then,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pandikar Amin, om his speech, said the Malaysian Parliamentary Transformation Plan introduced in 2008 could be implemented at the State Assembly level to improve the sittings and ensure the assemblies remained relevant.
“Even though some parties said they are good and some bad, the proposals to improve the plan may not be realised if there is no agreement between the Legislative and Executive Bodies.
“We want it to be strengthened to uphold the dignity of the legislative institution to a higher level, whether at the federal or state level,” he said. — Bernama