AS key pillars to the democratic process in the legislative assemblies, speakers should be apolitical when they carry out their duties, said Selangor state ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today.

“A speaker has to be fair, matured, honest with vast knowledge, high integrity and not side with any political parties, be it the ruling party or the opposition.

“And the Speaker has to ensure that members of the assemblies adhere and follow the regulations and the standards and procedures of the Dewan,” he said during his speech to officiate the National Parliament and State Assemblies Speakers Conference 2017 in Shah Alam this morning.

The Sultan also said that state lawmakers and members of Parliament have to always attend the sittings so that the people’s concerns can be brought forward and solved. 

He also wanted the state sittings to be longer (number of days) to give more time to the representatives to voice their stand on various issues.

“But the sessions should not exceed midnight as everyone including the House secretariat and reporters’ levels of energy are no longer optimal,” he added.

He also advised the representatives to behave and be civil during the debates.

“I do not want the members to fight in the Dewan using offensive words and having no control over their emotions.

“There is an ettiquette in debate and it is important  to show that our country has matured and has high integrity leaders. We must show to the public and the world that we can debate and discuss issues in a matured and civilised manner,” said the Sultan.

He also said that the speakers have to be able to control the situation during the sessions.

At the end of his speech, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah asked for the speakers and legislators to uphold the sanctity of the constitutional monarchy system as an important element in Malaysia’s democratic process.

“Don’t just use the institutions as a symbol for official events but also include them to pass laws and debate bills.

“Because of that, the speakers are reminded to respect and adhere to the rulers’ institution as the symbol of strength of the nation and its people,” he said. – May 13, 2017.