Opinion | Parliament in the Tiger’s Den: Where Has Democratic Decorum Gone?

Politics
5 Nov 2025 • 12:00 PM MYT
Mazlan Pak Mud
Mazlan Pak Mud

A Traveller - not one who seeks new landscapes, but one who seeks new eyes.

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In a parliamentary democracy, Members of Parliament (MPs) serve as the central pillars that connect the aspirations of the people with the direction of national governance. They are not merely political figures elected through the electoral process, but also trustees who bear significant responsibility for the continuity and integrity of democratic institutions. The role of an MP encompasses legislative functions, government oversight, the articulation of public concerns, and the shaping of national policies. Together, these responsibilities form the political framework that determines a nation’s stability, justice, and progress.

The most fundamental role of an MP is to draft, examine, and approve laws. Parliament is the highest legislative body, and every bill presented must undergo thorough debate before it can be passed. MPs are responsible for assessing the social and legal implications of proposed legislation and ensuring that it aligns with the Federal Constitution. This process requires intellectual competence, well-reasoned arguments, and the political courage to uphold principles and the interests of the people, even when doing so may conflict with party directives or external pressures.

Parliament also serves as the primary arena for voicing the concerns of the people, and these issues are raised through MPs elected by the public during general elections. To silence the voice of an MP is to silence the voice of the people themselves. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, who oversees the proceedings of Parliament, should remain open-minded and provide sufficient space for Members of Parliament to speak, enabling the governing administration to receive views and criticisms openly. However, there are times when the Speaker appears to be overly protective of certain parties, seeming intolerant of criticism and reacting emotionally without reasonable justification. Speaker beri amaran, ambil tindakan jika hina penjawat awam

Today, the Parliament seems to have transformed into a circus arena, loud and chaotic. In reality, the people are watching the representatives they elected, only to see them jumping, shouting, and yelling uncontrollably. A session that is supposed to proceed with decorum, ethics, and dignity has, regrettably, descended into something resembling a tiger’s den — wild, unruly, and unbecoming of an institution that should command respect. “Saya ingat selesailah” - Speaker

When Members of Parliament are not given the space to speak within the chamber, they are forced to step outside and hold press conferences instead. This raises an important question: to what extent does Parliament truly uphold freedom of speech? And where is the spirit of the slogan “the people’s voice is sacred” that is so often proclaimed?. [Video Penuh] Hamzah kritik PM: 'Kami tak dengki kau menari dengan Trump' - YouTube


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