Dewan Rakyat: Speaker's balancing act

SHAH ALAM - Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul's recent remark about losing friends since assuming office has sparked a debate about the role of a speaker and the challenges of maintaining impartiality.

A speaker's role is multifaceted, demanding the ability to moderate, mediate, judge, evaluate, and regulate proceedings.

This responsibility is particularly demanding in the current environment, where parliamentary debates often lack the decorum expected of lawmakers.

Some parliamentarians engage in unbecoming behavior, resorting to shouting, employing harsh and inappropriate language, and displaying a lack of respect for their colleagues and the speaker.

This conduct falls far short of the standards expected of elected representatives.

In this context, the Speaker's observation about losing friends is understandable.

Maintaining impartiality and upholding the integrity of the position often require making tough decisions that may alienate certain individuals or groups.

The Speaker's role is akin to that of a judge, where impartiality is paramount.

The perception of favoritism or bias can erode public trust in the institution of Parliament.

Recent criticisms levelled against the Speaker from both sides of the aisle highlight the delicate balancing act required to maintain fairness.

The Opposition's accusations of bias highlight the challenges of navigating a politically charged environment.