Members of parliament free to raise any issue: Mahathir (Updated)

KUALA LUMPUR: Lawmakers from both sides of the political divide will be allowed to speak freely in Parliament without fearing any sanction, according to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The Prime Minister assured that all members of parliament would not be restricted from debating and speaking, as long as they comply with the rules of the house.
"Sometimes, it may be hard to control the lawmakers as they want to speak their minds.
"Our policy is there will not be any restrictions. If they want to speak, they can speak," he told reporters after the opening of the 14th Parliament session by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, here today.
He was responding to a question by the press on how he plans to ensure the debate session in the parliamentary sitting would be done in a professional manner.
Asked on the bills that would be tabled when Parliament starts its debate on Wednesday, Mahathir said he has not had a look at the bills, but mentioned that he would have to answer to numerous questions that would be posed to him by the MPs.
"I haven't looked at the bills, but I have looked at the questions. I have to answer many questions," he said.
Asked to comment on the Agong's royal address when opening the parliament, particularly on the issue of ethnicity and religion, Mahathir said citizens from all walks of life should practise moderation in their day-to-day living.
"The King's message is clear, that in everything we do, we must be fair and considerate to other religions, and they should do the same to us.
"If we start ridiculing and offending other religions, at the end of the day, we will be the one facing the consequences," he said.
Mahathir however did not elaborate on his statement.