I do not watch Dewan Rakyat proceedings — ever.
I recall being in Parliament once to meet an MP. The speakers were on for all to hear the “debates”, which were in reality simply meaningless shouting matches.
The acrimonious atmosphere in the Dewan compelled me to vow never to set foot in Parliament again while it is in session.
Now, an elected representative from a religious-based party may have just provided me with a good reason to renew my vow.
The MP was heard making disparaging remarks about two other members of the house. He referred to Hulu Langat as “Hulu Laknat” and Kota Melaka as “Kota Celaka”.
Despite not being well versed in parliamentary etiquette, I know enough to recognise that this particular MP had crossed the line.
If I were the Speaker, I would dock that MP’s allowance for six months.
How can a “Yang Berhormat” or, YB, — as they are typically referred to — behave like a hooligan?
Such name-calling is not only discourteous, it demeans the two other MPs, who, by the way, represent their constituents. Is the religious party’s MP calling the voters there “laknat” and “celaka” (accursed)?
The Speaker should have kicked the foul-mouthed MP out of Dewan immediately and suspended him for six months.
There’s no need for the Speaker to wait until another MP refers this person to the rights and privileges committee. It was an offence committed in broad daylight.
What is worse is that the leaders from the party this rude MP belongs to have yet to admonish their colleague, nor has this rude MP publicly apologised for his vile remarks.
The fact that the party prides itself as the champion of the very religion I subscribe to is just as offensive.
There is no situation in which Islam would permit such behaviour from a man on the street, much less the leader of a parliamentary constituency.
What is extremely puzzling is that we claim to be a respectful society, yet allow rude MPs to spew hatred and vitriol unchecked.
It’s embarrassing to say the least and even more shameful that no Malay leader, either from the corporate world or academia, has rebuked this poor excuse for a Malay and Malaysian.
That underscores the “tidak apa” attitude that plagues our society.
Is it any wonder that bullying is so prevalent in schools when adults like this particular MP fail to set a good example?
Still, if nothing else, this particular incident brings to mind how creative the Malay language is — especially when it comes to describing a stupid person. We have the words like “bodoh”, “bahlul”, “bangang”, “bengap”, “bebal” and “biul”.
Notice how they all begin with the letter “B”. That may not be a coincidence.
Malay linguists of old probably already knew that we would use the acronym “YB” to describe our elected representatives, and so they prepared a whole list of words we can use to describe them!
For me it is fitting and the Malay language is superlative in its condemnation of such persons as the one we are talking about.
As a Malaysian, I am incensed. As a Muslim, I am livid. As a Malay, I am speechless.
If MPs cannot conduct themselves with dignity, then they do not deserve the “Yang Berhormat” title.
Nor do they belong in the august house or any house, including a house of worship.
I am pleading with the Speaker to throw the book at this “Yang Biadab” and others like him.
Every person deserves respect.
I want a Malaysia free from those who defile the dignity of our people, whether they are the “Yang Berhormat” or the “Yang Biasa” — common folk like you and me.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
