Don't turn Dewan Rakyat into a 'circus show': Anwar reminds MPs

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reminded members of parliament (MPs) not to turn the Dewan Rakyat to a 'circus show'.

In saying this, Anwar asked the parliamentarians to respect the lower house and debate with courtesy and tact.

Maintain the moral of the assembly and adhere to parliamentary decorum, he added.

"This is because the parliamentary session is being watched, we can debate on our opinions but we also have to protect the dignity of Dewan Rakyat.

"I hope the debates don't go too far because the house will be 'laughed' by the people who also might see the Dewan Rakyat as a 'circus'," he said.

He was referring to the chaos which ensued in the lower house yesterday as the MPs debated the motion of confidence, among others

He also stressed that he appreciated the reprimands which were delivered despite sounding harsh.

"Sometimes the statements might sound harsh but I sat down and listened to their views, delivered by the MPs either from my side or the opposition side.

"Referring to a Shakespeare's saying; 'A tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing', hence not all statements could be admissible. So we have to patient (to listen)," he added.