The FIFA World Cup in Qatar has just ended. Team Argentina emerged as the champion and their fans were in a frenzy. Discipline in football is a major aspect of sports. Players can be shown a Yellow Card or a Red Card or be suspended for a specific number of games if they violate the rules of the game.
Recently, the Malaysia 15th parliamentary session took place and Johari Abdul was elected the new Dewan Rakyat speaker, replacing the former speaker, Azhar Harun. Our 10th Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reminded all Members of Parliament (MPs) to maintain discipline, respect the august House and not violate any standing order during the Dewan Rakyat session.
However, former Batu Pahat MP, Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said that as a spectator, he was ‘embarrassed to see the chaos that had ensued during the two-day Dewan Rakyat sitting’ on Dec 19 and Dec 20. He further asked if it was appropriate for the Standing Orders to be amended.
I must say that Malaysians and observers from all over who have been following our Parliamentary sessions in recent years have been greatly entertained, shocked or even disgusted by the happenings there – sexual and demeaning remarks, rude shouting exchanges, ridiculous unprepared answers and the like. Those were indeed embarrassing episodes and a great waste of Malaysia’s resources.
We, the rakyat are not at all impressed and we hope our elected representatives will mature and show greater respect and professionalism in the parliament.
Maybe, like the game of football, those who violate the rules of The August House need to be disciplined. To maintain order during the parliament sittings, those who choose to violate the rules may be shown the Yellow Card by our Dewan Rakyat Speaker. Then come to the next General Election (GE16), some will be shown the Red Card by the rakyat.
So, dear MPs, please take care not to embarrass Malaysia in any way because the world is watching us. Likewise, the world is also watching the rakyat. The world is observing our response to the many things happening around us – landslide tragedies, floods or disasters. Let us choose to help one another and show that Malaysians love and care, regardless of race or creed. Let us show the world that Malaysians are resilient and brave when we are faced with new challenges.
Together, let us all choose to be the nation that we were meant to be. Malaysia Boleh!
By Mei Wong
Mei Wong is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav.
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