MPs should mind their manners when debating
SHAH ALAM – The actions by several MPs who utter abusive and vulgar words while debating in the Parliament is a serious matter that should not happen, said National Eminent Journalist Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar.
He said such action should not happen as it worsened the public’s perception of the institution.
“Saying this took place due to provocation and the likes are not reasonable. Every MP should know the rules and manners of arguing or debating in Parliament.
“In schools, we were taught about manners and discipline. After all, at this time, the public perception of MPs is at the lowest, so such actions are definitely not appropriate,” he said when contacted by Sinar Harian on Friday.
On Wednesday, the Parliament session erupted into chaos due Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak)’s comments when the other MPs debated the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill.
Dewan Rakyat Yang Dipertua Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun guaranteed that he would analyse the issue further before taking any actions against Tajuddin.
Tajuddin had allegedly uttered vulgar words as he was responding to Teo Nie Ching's (PH-Kulai) statements that he had always made sexist statements to female MPs.
Johan added that Dewan Rakyat speaker should have controlled the situation better to resolve such issues from happening, especially considering that this was not the first time.
He added that such behaviours only involved old school MPs and not the new generations.
“This is why we need young blood in the Parliament as they have better awareness and live in a different world where they respected their colleagues at the Parliament, especially women,” he said.
