Politics is supposed to be the art of governance, a realm where leaders engage in intellectual discourse to shape the future of the nation. However, what unfolded in the Dewan Rakyat recently was nothing short of a circus, where the bickering of elected representatives overshadowed the very essence of democracy.
The commotion began when Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah) invoked Standing Order 13(1), questioning the quorum’s adequacy before launching into her debate on the Royal Address. According to parliamentary rules, at least 26 MPs must be present for proceedings to continue. What should have been a straightforward procedural matter quickly escalated into a shouting match that left the chamber in disorder.
A House in Disorder
Deputy Speaker Alice Lau took the necessary step of instructing the Sergeants-at-Arms to ring the bell and conduct a headcount. But rather than a smooth resolution, chaos ensued as backbenchers vocally opposed the move. Leading the resistance were Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan), RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), and Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar), who claimed MPs were engaged in briefings at the time.
Shahar’s frustration was palpable as he accused Mas Ermieyati of singling out the opposition for low attendance. He declared, “I feel like this is intentional. In fact, the opposition only has three members.”
Rayer, ever the provocateur, fired back by questioning the whereabouts of MPs from Pagoh and Larut. Meanwhile, Bung Moktar asserted that quorum should consider both government and opposition MPs, not just one side of the aisle.
At this point, one might ask—why does it always have to descend into a battle of egos? Instead of focusing on governance, our MPs seem more interested in playing the blame game. The issue of quorum is a matter of responsibility for all MPs, not a tool for political posturing.
Is Attendance Too Much to Ask?
The very fact that quorum had to be questioned raises an even bigger concern—where were our elected representatives? The reality is simple: if a session is scheduled, MPs should be there. If they were truly attending briefings, why not return to the chamber in time for the debate?
The rakyat expects leaders to be present, to listen, and to contribute to discussions that affect the nation. When the quorum is lacking, it is not just a procedural hiccup—it is a sign of negligence. It sends a loud and clear message to the public: “We have better things to do.”
When Debates Turn into Drama
Even after Lau ruled that there were sufficient MPs present, the verbal sparring continued. Mas Ermieyati attempted to proceed with her speech, but the background noise of accusations and counter-accusations made it nearly impossible.
Mohd Shahar, clearly unwilling to let the issue slide, stood up once again, urging for fairness. “Did YB Masjid Tanah raise this issue just to point out that the opposition only has three members? Let’s be fair to both the opposition and the government.”
At this stage, the Dewan Rakyat was no longer a chamber of serious governance—it had become an episode of political theatre. And let’s be honest, the rakyat is tired of watching this same old show.
Enough is Enough
The only moment of sanity came when Lau, exercising her authority, put her foot down. “YBs, enough is enough. Anyone can raise issues under the Standing Orders. Please sit down so we can proceed with the debate. Is that alright? Everyone is calm now.”
It was a statement dripping with exasperation, a sign that even those in charge are growing weary of these unnecessary theatrics.
At the end of the day, the rakyat does not vote for MPs to engage in childish squabbles. They vote for leaders who can rise above political games and focus on the bigger picture—running the country efficiently. If our MPs spent half as much energy on actual policymaking as they do on verbal jousting, Malaysia would be a far more progressive nation.
It’s time for our elected representatives to remember why they are in Parliament in the first place. Less drama, more work. Less bickering, more results. Enough is enough.
Shamini Daniel 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. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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