KUALA LUMPUR, June 6- Members of Parliament, whether in the Upper House (Dewan Negara) or Lower House (Dewan Rakyat), should show their loyalty to the country and be committed to preserving, protecting and upholding the Federal Constitution.
Dewan Negara President Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang said this was important in view of cases of individuals breaching and infringing the provisions in the Constitution.
He said the members of Parliament should refrain from using harsh and offensive words which could be construed as not only breaching their oath and loyalty pledge, but also questioning the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and rejecting the provisions in the Constitution.
“As parliamentarians, they should have better understanding of the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in a ruling system of parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy which have been practised since the country’s independence.”
Abu Zahar (photo) said this at the swearing-in ceremony for former Maybank president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar and Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) chairman P.Waytha Moorthy as senators today.
Abdul Wahid, 49, has been appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), while Waytha Moorthy, 47, is Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
Abu Zahar also advised members of Parliament to debate wisely and observe the rules and regulations of Parliament and the Senate so that the people would respect and have confidence in them.
“Freedom of speech is indeed provided in the constitution, but in Malaysia, there are limits because it can hurt the feelings of the various races in the country.
“In Malaysia, there is the Sedition Act. Although we are free to speak, we have the law which was passed in the august House, also by the elected representatives. If you don’t like the law, abolish it,” he said.
Parliament will have its first meeting for the current term for 16 days beginning June 24.
Abu Zahar said there were many things stipulated in the Federal Constitution that must be respected and upheld, including Article 152 on the national language.
“Do not belittle and make a mockery of our national language,” he added. He said Article 153 on the special privileges of the Malays and other bumiputeras should not be questioned by parliamentarians as it could hurt their sensitivities and threaten peace in the country.
– BERNAMA
