PETALING JAYA: Members of Parliament (MPs) who step out of line while in the Dewan Rakyat could face the possibility of a prolonged suspension, says His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
This comes as His Majesty gave the nod to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul to take stern action against MPs who “cross the line” when it comes to House rules and decorum.
“I have given the green light to the Speaker to take action against those who cross the line, which includes suspending MPs for 14 days,” His Majesty said in his Royal Address when opening the first meeting of the third session of the 15th Parliament yesterday.
Sultan Ibrahim said he would be ashamed to step into the august House, based on the previous antics of MPs.
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His Majesty reminded MPs that Parliament was where lawmakers came together to craft laws.
“All of you are lawmakers. Hence, it does not make sense if lawmakers themselves do not adhere to the rules which they have made themselves.
“I hope all MPs will show a good example when being here.
“Mind your manners, use polite language, and do not insult others,” His Majesty said.
Based on previous decisions, MPs who had used unparliamentary words or misbehaved during proceedings were suspended for a period ranging from half a day to two days.
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On the state of the nation’s fiscal standing, Sultan Ibrahim said he was disheartened that the current administration is burdened with an increasingly large debt due to the fiscal deficits incurred since 1998.
“Is this the kind of financial burden that we wish our future generations to inherit?
“Such a weak financial position makes it difficult for the government to implement new development projects or provide financial incentives to stimulate economic growth,” His Majesty said.
Owing to this, Sultan Ibrahim said he supports the government’s initiatives in undertaking drastic savings measures and implementing targeted subsidies.
His Majesty added that the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023 was among the new policies recently introduced as part of reforms to improve governance, accountability and transparency in public financial management.
On the same vein, Sultan Ibrahim said he would personally monitor how the government spends public funds.
“I will closely monitor government spending and ensure that all expenditure proposals will be channelled to meet actual needs,” His Majesty said, adding that he hoped the government would successfully achieve a fiscal surplus every year during his tenure as King.
His Majesty also reminded all parties to leverage the coming Visit Malaysia 2026 and also when Malaysia chairs the Asean meeting next year, as these events will create economic opportunities to generate new sources of income as well as promote the nation’s culture and heritage.
Sultan Ibrahim also said that Malaysia must elevate itself internationally as a supporter of peace as well as its stance against terrorism.
His Majesty also called for a firm stance to be taken on the Palestinian issue and for Malaysia to call for an immediate ceasefire and the acceleration of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
On the enforcement agencies, His Majesty said the agencies must be more efficient when carrying out investigations to ensure prompt resolution.
“All cases brought to the court must be promptly resolved so that the people’s trust in the judiciary will always be preserved,” said His Majesty.
Meanwhile, thumps of approval could be heard during Sultan Ibrahim’s Royal Address, including a light moment that drew chuckles from the House.
Rather than delivering an hour-long speech, which is the usual practice for the opening of Parliament, His Majesty gave a concise and straight-to-the-point Royal Address to the House, which lasted only 29 minutes.
“I am afraid some may fall asleep if I speak too long, so I will keep things concise,” said His Majesty towards the end of the Royal Address.
Midway through the Royal Address, Sultan Ibrahim also joked that the speech was long.
“Panjang pula,” His Majesty said under his breath, drawing laughter from the floor.
The third session of the 15th Parliament began yesterday and will end on March 27, lasting 19 days.
