Speaker slams MPs for using Parliament as soap box

Speaker slams MPs for using Parliament as soap box

June 27, 2012

Pandikar told the lawmakers to stick to discussing the topics at hand. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia has rapped members of parliament who like to play politics when speaking in Dewan Rakyat, describing it as “wasting the dewan’s time.” He said they should make full use of the opportunity given to talk on the relevant subjects especially during the question and answer session.

“Talking without content for a long period of time is the same as giving a short speech. Please consider the officials who have to wait here until 12 (midnight) for Dewan business to be over.

“Every one will jump if I limit the time (for debate), but when given the chance, you want to play politics. Enough. (Don’t) play politics in the Dewan, leave it outside where you can also go without sleep (playing politics),” he said.

Earlier, Pandikar criticised M. Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) who asked Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar a supplementary question and accused the ministry of carrying out programmes involving only members of Umno.

Kulasegaran’s relentless accusations, which sought to shame the minister personally and several other members of parliament, also drew the ire of Pandikar who ordered him to sit down.

“I am very patient at this sitting. I will call anybody to ask questions, but if you do like Ipoh Barat, don’t blame me if I don’t call you anymore in future. Because, every question which I hear from Yang Berhormat (Kulasegaran) must have a political connotation. Can’t you do away with that first?” he said.

Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Ind-Pasir Mas) who stood up to remind Pandikar not to give any more leeway to Kulasegaran was also rebuked when the Speaker said: “Pasir Mas, I did not invite Pasir Mas (to stand up and give a speech).” — Bernama