THE peaceful and smooth transition of power has proven the parliamentary democracy system and the constitutional monarchy that the country has been practising works.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said at 60, the Malaysian Parliament also managed to remain a democratic institution and symbol of the people’s voice and power.

It is not only a proud achievement but must be maintained as long as the government adheres to the practice of democracy and believes that the people’s voice is a sacred voice, he said.

“Although there has been a change in terms of party which administers the government, for the first time since independence, the traditions and practices of democracy have continued and maintained,” he said at a dinner held in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Parliament yesterday.

Present were the prime minister’s wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as well as MPs from both the government and the opposition.

Dr Mahathir said the celebration was also significant as it was celebrated after more than a year of Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the 14th general election.

On the other hand, Dr Mahathir also warned that a government must not rule according to its whims and fancies and without regard to the interests of the people.

“If the trust is abused and detrimental to the people or merely for personal gain, the government will be punished as we have seen in the last election,” he said.

He also reminded elected representatives not to get big-headed with the responsibilities they have been entrusted with and advised them instead to perform their duties with honesty, integrity and fairness. 

New Malaysia that was built more than a year ago called for major reforms in all aspects and not only in government administration and political means but also a change in the attitudes of elected representatives, he said.

“Don’t lower our standards, show off the good qualities and constructive ideas that can bring success. Politicians also need to practise ethics and argue with the right facts every time they talk.

“Whatever action to be taken it must be based on honesty and wisdom and avoid politics with narrow and hateful thoughts.”

Dr Mahathir said a good government will always strive to fix the weaknesses in the administration system and that is what PH is doing now besides pursuing the promises outlined in its manifesto.

He said the presence of more young MPs in the Dewan Rakyat where 25% of them are aged 45 and below also helped the government to reform Parliament as they were more exposed to information technology skills, in the process making them more informative to help the government formulate clearer administrative policies. – Bernama, December 5, 2019.