IN an interview about a week ago, the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Azhar Azizan Harun, sang a different tune to Deputy Speaker Azalina Othman Said on the issue of reconvening Parliament in a pandemic.

According to the speaker, Azalina’s suggestions were made in her capacity as an MP instead of her role as a deputy speaker; which was in contrast to the speaker’s role, not aligned to any political party.

The speaker trying to distance himself from politics is first and foremost, inaccurate. For a start, the speaker was chosen to replace Muhammad Ariff on the grounds of “a new candidate”, which means Azhar’s appointment was also subject to political interest.

Parliamentary sovereignty and politics of prorogation

Let’s face it, no appointment of a speaker is without political influence in some way. Regardless, an elected speaker, be it political or bipartisan, needs to understand that intricacies of ‘politics’ are essential in carrying out his duties.

Parliament is an essential way to defend the sovereignty and function of politics from being silenced or pressured by politicians, especially those in the ruling government.

The speaker’s political assertiveness will be able to prevent Parliament from becoming a victim of political manoeuvring that, as of recent, is detrimental to the people and country.

Second, politics may pave the way to assist in creating a political co-operation between the government and the opposition.

A speaker who is skilled in analysing the political situation and knows how to unite dissenting MPs to work together on an issue or policy will add value to Parliament and form a Parliament that actually discusses issues that affect the rakyat.

Third, the speaker needs to consider the political climate by allowing discourses to take place, particularly with regards to Covid-related amendments and legislation.

This will build the confidence and awareness of parliamentarians, ministers, and the people in an effort to improve Malaysia’s parliamentary democracy.

Additionally, the speaker can also implement his proposals and ideas to strengthen the function of Parliament in reviewing and balancing the governance of the cabinet.

It is unbecoming of a speaker that struggles to grapple with a shouting match between MPs in Parliament, where they continuously berate each other, serving no purpose to the rakyat.

Hence, the primary role of the speaker is vital to defend and create a sense of bipartisan co-operation between the government and the opposition.

A speaker who is firm in making sound decisions will set the tone in upholding Parliament’s image as an important part of democracy, rather than a legislative body that could be misused by irresponsible parties.

New paradigm of parliamentary conduct begins with the speaker

Tough times call for tough measures. Although the speaker’s performance so far has been far from perfect, it is his political ignorance in sidelining Parliament that has got people riled up recently.

The speaker of Dewan Rakyat should recognise that he is bound to protect Parliament’s image. However, his silence and ignorance is baffling.

The rakyat, and many political leaders, want Parliament to reconvene. Covid-19 is real and many stakeholders demand transparency by the government.

Parliament is the stage and the speaker is at the forefront of it.

The speaker, as the highest-ranking presiding officer of the Dewan Rakyat, must speak up to fight for the rights of rakyat and the parliamentarians, and pressure the prime minister to be accountable to Parliament.

Instead, he chose to follow the executive order through the Emergency Ordinance to postpone Parliament indefinitely.

Thus, the rakyat is slowly losing faith in the speaker’s ability to restore Parliament’s democracy, which led to a domino effect of how Malaysia is being administered.

The truth is, the role of the speaker should not be defined by his or her political affiliations. What is more important is the extent to which the speaker can use his knowledge and powers to keep Parliament functioning that could make a significant impact on the well-being of the people and the country.

The position of the speaker as the leader in Parliament is now more pertinent than ever in promoting the “whole-of-government” approach.

It is high time that the speaker responds primarily to the pandemic to reflect the constitutional role that Parliament possesses.

The position of the speaker is the highest leader in Parliament and is important in shaping more mature politics even though the political space has its boundaries, with regards to Parliament, and cannot be one sided (political impartiality).

It is vital for the public, the activists and politicians to understand this in order to not repeat past mistakes of undermining the role of the speaker of the Dewan Rakyat in future. – June 9, 2021.

* Fakhrurrazi Rashid reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.