WE regret Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun’s move to deny the motion to debate the flood issue in Parliament.

Malaysia practices parliamentary democracy, making Parliament, which upholds the principles of democracy, the most important institution in the country.

The speaker, as Parliament administrative head, has a duty to ensure the essence of democracy is upheld.

The major floods affecting many states in the country are labelled as one of the most-devastating in recent memory. The floods have hit eight states – with Pahang and Selangor being hardest-hit states – killing at least 30 people and displacing more than 60,000 others.

It is important that matters of public interest be at the forefront of parliamentary discussions. In a parliamentary democracy, Parliament embodies the will of the people and, therefore, must oversee matters of urgent public importance.

We call for the Parliament to uphold the fundamental principle of democracy and fulfil its responsibility as the nation’s representative. – December 23, 2021.

* Abdul Razak Ahmad is Bait al-Amanah founding director and Nahel Endowment for Peace founder. Simraatraj Kaur Dhillon is Bait Al-Amanah research and advocacy analyst.

* 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.