Friday, March 19, 2010

Zahrain’s Parliamentary Antics & MP’s Responsibility

Posted by Khoo Kay Peng

Bayan Baru voters must be feeling really frustrated and disappointed with the MP Zahrain Hashim's parliamentary antics.

The ex-PKR leader has been using his parliamentary privilege to launch personal attacks against his former party leaders and to wash some dirty linen.

He had named eight MPs, whom he claimed were ready to jump ship in the opposition’s bid to takeover the government on Sept 16, 2008. They were Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan), Datuk Seri Anifah Aman (BN-Kimanis), Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan), Datuk Chua Soon Bui (Independent-Tawau), Datuk Eric Majimbun (Independent-Sepanggar), Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat), Datuk Seri Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar (BN-Jerantut) and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (BN-Gua Musang).

Tengku Razaleigh has refuted his claims today.

Zahrain claimed that there was a link between online newspaper MalaysiaKini and Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK)’s news portal with the opposition and urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to probe into it.

He is expected to make more allegations in the coming days. It is not surprising that Zahrain is using his parliamentary immunity to run various allegations against his former colleagues.

Zahrain's action has two implications. First, it reflects an inherent weakness in the Pakatan leadership. This is something the coalition must correct before the next general election.

Second, it reflects badly on Zahrain's position as an elected representative. His elected position is not personal. He is accountable for his action and behaviour in the parliament. He should use his debating time to focus on key issues such as socio-economic policy, GST, strategy to address economic malaise, abolishment of ISA, inter-ethnic relations, Penang's development and others.

Zahrain wants us to respect his position and rights as a member of parliament. He has to first respect the wishes and expectations of his voters.

Zahrain's unparliamentary behaviour should be severely criticized by groups monitoring the performance of parliamentarians.

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