Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on Monday expressed his unhappiness over the behaviour of some members of parliament which could tarnish their image as elected representatives. The King said for two consecutive parliamentary terms, he had reminded the MPs to show exemplary character and behaviour in the Dewan Rakyat.
“I am sad that are still ‘Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat’ (Honourable Members) who display the kind of behaviour and utter words that do not reflect how the people’s representatives should conduct themselves. “Let it be known that the Honourable Members are constantly being watched by the people. You should debate constructively and not raise trivial issues that can affect your image and honour and the sanctity of this august House,” Tuanku Mizan said when opening the third term of the 12th Parliament here. Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah was also present at the ceremony.
Tuanku Mizan also reminded that unity and mutual respect among the country’s multiracial and multireligious society which were its pillar of strength, must be preserved. The King said trust, mutual respect and cooperation would help create a friendly, peaceful and tolerant Malaysian society.
Tuanku Mizan said the position of Islam as the country’s official religion must be respected while other religions were free to be practised. “I urge all religious leaders to promote a sense of responsibility to preserve religious harmony among the people of different faiths.”
On another matter, the King said although freedom of expression was part of a democratic and mature society, it should not be used as an excuse by any quarters to discredit others to the extent of creating conflicts and stoking racial sentiments. “I am very sad that there are quarters in and outside Malaysia taking the opportunity to compromise public order and the country’s honour. “I urge all parties to learn from the dark moments in the nation’s history and avoid raising sensitive issues that can threaten public order and harmony.”
Tuanku Mizan said he was also sad that making baseless accusations, lying and twisting facts went unabated, especially in the new media. He urged all those involved to stop such irresponsible actions as these were also unacceptable to any religion, while the relevant authorities must take stern action against the offenders. Tuanku Mizan also said that the government was giving serious attention to combating crime, including street crime like snatch theft and robbery, which worried the public. The King noted that the overall crime index would be reduced by five per cent and street crime by 20 cent by the year end, while deploying more members of the security forces like the police in the crime hot spots had begun to have a positive impact.
On another note, Tuanku Mizan also welcomed the commitment and seriousness of the government in fighting corruption and hoped the public would continuously support this effort, besides dutifully reporting such cases to the relevant authority. “In this respect, the Whistleblowers Protection Bill is being formulated to protect the informers of corrupt practices,” he said.
BERNAMA
March 15, 2010 15:38 PM
KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 (Bernama)
