Senior Umno MPs ready to play role as Opposition members

Lull before the storm: It’s a quiet day at the Parliament with no vehicles entering the building. All the buzz is expected to start after the first meeting commences on July 16

PETALING JAYA: Senior Umno MPs are looking forward to playing their role as Opposition members.

Former Dewan Rakyat deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said he was looking forward to the new political landscape and dynamics in the august House.

“Now, that we’re the Opposition, we will definitely play our role,” said Kiandee, who was deputy Speaker for two terms.

Kiandee, a five-term Beluran MP and Umno’s only non-Muslim MP, said he expected the item on the first day to go smoothly with the election of the Speaker and his deputy, followed by the swearing-in of the MPs.

“With the younger MPs, it will be more interesting and challenging to see them in action.

“Definitely, they will come with their new ideas and their new ways of debating but whatever it is, MPs must abide by the Standing Orders,” he said.

Five-term Kinabatangan MP Da­­tuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said a strong Opposition leader must follow current issues closely and observe the implementation of the Pakatan Harapan manifesto within 100 days after polling day.

“We have to wait until the 100 days are up and see what has been done or otherwise,” he said.

Bung, who is also Kinabatangan Umno chief, said the Chief Whip for the Opposition bloc had not been decided yet.