Opposition MPs leaving hall deemed rude, disrespectful to Royal Institution

SHAH ALAM - The action of opposition Members of Parliament leaving the hall while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was delivering a speech of appreciation to the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA), Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah in Parliament shows their lack of respect for the Royal Institution.

Political Secretary to the Prime Minister Ahmad Farhan Fauzi said that the demonstrated attitude was nothing but an act against the decree of His Majesty the 17th YDPA Sultan Ibrahim.

He said that the disrespect of the opposition's action seemed to be a mockery of the wisdom of YDPA, who decreed for the Madani Government to be maintained until the next General Elections.

"It is widely known that the Royal decree is an honour and a very sensible decree that always touches on the welfare of the people to ensure their well-being.

"Thus, through the Opening Ceremony of the 15th Parliament yesterday, His Majesty advised all Members of the House, from both the government and opposition, to work together to develop the country for the benefit of all Malaysians," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, all opposition Members of Parliament walked out of the hall in protest of this issue.

Explaining the action, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said that the government should not do anything outside the meeting regulations as it was seen as an abuse of power.

However, according to Farhan, technically, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) had submitted a request for permission under Regulation 14(2) to the Dewan Rakyat to allow the Prime Minister to deliver a commendation and appreciation speech to Al-Sultan Abdullah.

"Moreover, the majority of Members of the House have expressed approval of the motion brought forward.

"This issue should not be exaggerated because Regulation 14(2) of the Meeting Rules allows the government to propose something without the need for discussion and notice," he said.

He believed that opposition Members of Parliament should support the Prime Minister's action in delivering a speech of admiration to Al-Sultan Abdullah, who has placed dignity and priority on the people throughout his reign.

"This initiative by the Prime Minister also represents the voice of the people, and all Members of the House should unanimously express appreciation and respect to the 16th YDPA for the last time.

"Hence, the protest by the opposition on this issue by leaving the hall en masse clearly shows their failure to practice mature politics and only being busy with politics for politics' sake," he said.

Farhan also urged opposition Members of Parliament to stop politicking and focus on working together with the Madani Government to accelerate the country's economy and be a functional opposition in the Dewan Rakyat.