KUALA LUMPUR: First-time MPs are reminded not to waste time on rhetoric when debating in Dewan Rakyat, says Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor.
The reminder by the Deputy Speaker was directed at the 88 MPs who are fresh faces in the August Hall.
"This announcement is more for those who are new, which I must remind you of. The presence of the Cokmar (mace) was presented by the King and it represents the nine Malay Rulers,” he said.
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"In the absence of this mace, whatever we do in the House will lack legitimacy. Apart from this, my advice is try to focus on your respective constituencies when given time for debates.
"This is because rhetoric is not a representation of your aspirations as elected representatives in this dignified House," Ramli added before the start of proceedings in Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (March 1).
The Royal Mace is a regalia which is brought into the House and placed before the Speaker's chair before the start of proceedings.
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It symbolises the power of the Monarch and the authority of Parliament.
Its absence will affect the legitimacy of both Houses to convene for a sitting.
The reminder by Ramli comes after the House devolved into a brief shouting match over the national immigration integrated system (NIIsE) on Tuesday (Feb 28).
Apart from this incident, several brief exchanges took place between Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) and several Opposition MPs, namely Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim (PN-Pendang).
It was previously reported that Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul intended to conduct a series of sessions for first-time MPs to familiarise themselves with their responsibilities while in the august House.
