PETALING JAYA: Proposed guidelines on discussions involving race, religion and royalty (3R) in Parliament should not be viewed as curbing freedom of speech, but as an ethical framework to ensure debates are conducted responsibly.
Government Backbenchers Club (BBC) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the guidelines should be understood within the broader context of safeguarding national harmony in a diverse and plural society like Malaysia.
“Issues relating to 3R carry deep sensitivities and they must be handled with care and responsibility.
“At the same time, Parliament must remain a space for responsible and meaningful debate.
“Members of Parliament (MPs) carry a constitutional mandate to raise issues affecting the people, including matters that may be sensitive but are important for public interest and national development.
“In that regard, the guidelines should not be seen as restricting freedom of speech in Parliament, but rather as an ethical framework to ensure that discussions on 3R issues are conducted prudently, without inflaming public sentiment or undermining national unity,” she told The Star on Monday (March 30).
The National Unity Ministry is drafting guidelines to prevent MPs from raising sensitive 3R issues during debates in the Dewan Rakyat.
Deputy Minister R. Yuneswaran on Monday (March 30) said the report will be submitted to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul soon.
Dr Zaliha said any recommendations arising from the proposed guidelines would ultimately be subject to the Speaker’s consideration.
“This is taking into account both the privileges of MPs and their shared responsibility to preserve harmony and stability in the country,” said the Sekijang MP.
