KUALA LUMPUR: The two new Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speakers have affirmed their commitment to upholding freedom of speech in the august house through the Malaysian system of parliamentary democracy.
Nga Kor Ming and Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon made the pledge in the hope of fostering an institution in which the spirit and practice of debate are encouraged rather than stifled.
“(We) cannot be partisan in (discussions on) people’s issues and policies. That’s why Speakers cannot be in favour of any party.
“We have to give room for everyone to speak. As long as we hold on to these principles, we will remain where we are,” Mohd Rashid told reporters at the Parliament lobby, here, today.
The Batu Pahat MP also stressed that parliamentary debates should be once again made immune from legal action, as they were prior to the introduction of the Official Secrets Act, which was used by the previous administration to silence MPs who raised the issue of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
Meanwhile, Teluk Intan MP Nga expressed his gratitude over his appointment and stated his commitment to the reform agenda.
“I will work hard to ensure that parliamentary democracy lives up to the people’s expectations,” said the DAP Perak chairman.
Mohd Rashid and Nga received 171 and 124 votes, respectively, defeating the opposition’s Deputy Speaker choice of Beluran MP Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, who polled 93 votes.
Earlier today, Dewan Rakyat secretary Datuk Seri Rosmee Hamzah revealed that Pakatan Harapan’s Deputy Speaker candidates were proposed in a letter sent by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on July 2, which adhered to the 14-day notice period stipulated by the House’s Standing Orders.