KUALA LUMPUR – The opposition should cease playing ‘cheap’ politics and show respect for the royal institution, said the prime minister’s political secretary, Ahmad Farhan Fauzi.
Farhan was referring to the incident yesterday, where opposition MPs staged a walkout from the Dewan Rakyat during the address by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressing appreciation for the speech by His Majesty the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
He said the walkout was an affront to the decree issued by the new Agong.
“Hence, the protest by the opposition, leaving the chamber en masse, clearly indicates their lack of respect for the royal institution, a total failure to practise mature politics, and a focus solely on political manoeuvring.”
“The audacity of this opposition seems to insult the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who urged for the continuation of the Madani government until the next general elections.”
On the speech yesterday, Farhan said the opposition should support the prime minister’s action in expressing gratitude to the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who prioritised the people throughout his reign.
“This initiative by the prime minister also represents the voice of the people, and all members of Parliament should unanimously convey appreciation and respect to the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the final time.”
“I urge opposition members of Parliament to cease their ‘politicking’ and focus on collaborating with the Madani government to drive the nation’s economy, fulfilling their role as an effective opposition within the Dewan Rakyat.”
At the opening ceremony of the third session of the 15th Parliament on Monday, Sultan Ibrahim, in his inaugural royal address, expressed warnings, advice, and views on various topics, including the conduct of Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara members during sittings, national debt, and political stability.
However, opposition lawmakers walked out of the Dewan Rakyat to protest against the timing of Anwar’s speech during the afternoon session, following the request of Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The opposition MPs also claimed the government lawmakers had abused the parliamentary rules by using their majority votes.
In response, Farhan said Azalani had submitted a request under Standing Order 14(2) and that the majority of MPs expressed their agreement with the proposal.
“The issue should not be sensationalised, as the Dewan Rakyat’s Standing Order 14(2) allows the government to propose matters without discussion and prior notice.” – February 28, 2024