KUALA LUMPUR: Parliamentarians must stop playing politics with every issue just for the sake of their political parties or factions, says His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
"Yang Berhormats must be a bulwark of unity and not agents that cause a split among the rakyat.
"So, stop playing politics with every issue for the sake of one's party or group," His Majesty said in his royal address when opening the First Meeting of the 4th Term of the 15th Parliament here on Monday (Feb 3).
His Majesty reminded lawmakers that Parliament represented the highest gathering in the nation's system.
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"It is an arena for the voices of the people to meet, where laws are created while serving as checks and balances to the administration of the nation.
"Parliament is not a place for verbal spats, insults and allegations but a dignified hall to debate agendas for the interests of the rakyat and prosperity of the nation," His Majesty added.
Although taking note of the positive changes MPs had made with regard to decorum during debates last year, His Majesty said there was still a small group bound by "bad habits".
"There is still a small group that finds it hard to get rid of old bad habits and there is no need for me to list what these habits are.
"I believe YBs will know how to take care of each other's behaviour," His Majesty said.
