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Mohammad Ariff vows to be even-handed as Dewan Rakyat Speaker

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof regards his appointment as Dewan Rakyat Speaker as a very big responsibility.

The 69-year-old former Court of Appeals judge, who addressed the house after he was robed and sworn-in today, pledged to carry out his duties as best he can.

Ariff, who is the tenth Speaker of the house, vowed to be even-handed in carrying out the tasks before him.

“I will work hard to execute my duties wholeheartedly, and (while being) free from external influence to preserve the dignity and honour of this esteemed house.

“I will also, alongside you ladies and gentlemen, work towards raising the prowess of the Parliamentary institution in the country so that the culture of Parliamentary democracy that we practise becomes more effective, fair and even-handed,” he told the Dewan.

In his speech, he also stressed that Parliament’s role as an arena for free debate should not be taken for granted or abused.

He said that the tradition of legislating and amending laws has to be continued so that the institution will preserve the respect Malaysians have for Parliament.

“I am confident that, as in the past, MPs will carry out their duties as Wakil Rakyat honourably, as per the demands of this dignified institution.

“This will be done through respectful debates which are enshrined in our system of Parliamentary democracy,” he added.

Ariff said that the words and actions of MPs will ensure the attainment of the house’s lofty goals.

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