Defend parliamentary democracy, legislative privilege, Utusan urges

Utusan Malaysia, as a publication deeply rooted in Malaysian society, views the recent events in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly with significant concern. The defense of parliamentary democracy and legislative privilege is not merely a procedural matter but a cornerstone of our nation's governance, especially when sensitive issues like livestock farming intersect with cultural and environmental considerations.

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Kami mendesak semua parti politik dan wakil rakyat untuk mempertahankan demokrasi berparlimen serta menghormati keistimewaan perundangan, lebih-lebih lagi apabila menyentuh isu yang sensitif.

The incident involving the Seri Kembangan assemblywoman, Wong Siew Ki, and the subsequent populist, race-baiting attacks against her, is particularly disheartening. While the Sultan of Selangor has expressed his views on pig farming, using such matters as political weapons to silence fellow lawmakers undermines the very essence of an inclusive legislative forum. Our representatives are mandated to voice the concerns of their constituents, and this requires an environment where diverse perspectives can be considered for the most effective policy and legal outcomes.

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Kami kesal dengan serangan berbaur populisme perkauma terhadap Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Seri Kembangan, Wong Siew Ki, ekoran ucapan beliau dalam sidang Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Selangor pada 22 April, lalu.

We at Utusan Malaysia believe that rational, evidence-based debate is critical. The issue of pig farming, with its implications for the environment, cultural sensitivities, food security, and inflation, demands careful consideration. The attempt by Dr. Afif Bahardin to refer Wong Siew Ki to the Selangor House Committee on Rights and Privileges was an irresponsible act aimed at stifling freedom of speech and deliberately inciting racial sentiment. Thankfully, the Speaker, Lau Weng San, rightly rejected this motion.

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Wakil rakyat diberi mandat untuk mengangkat suara pengundi agar badan perundangan menjadi sebuah forum inklusif, di mana pelbagai nilai, kepentingan dan aspirasi boleh dipertimbangkan demi mencari pilihan dasar serta perundangan yang paling tuntas.

We call upon the opposition leader in the Selangor State Assembly, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, to guide his assemblymen in upholding the principles of parliamentary democracy and legislative privilege. Responsible conduct that serves all segments of society must be the priority, rather than succumbing to divisive tactics. This is a matter of principle that affects the integrity of our legislative process and the trust placed in our elected officials.

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Adalah sama sekali tidak wajar bagi mana-mana ahli dewan untuk cuba membungkam pandangan rakan sejawat yang dizahirkan dengan niat baik, sama ada percubaan itu berpunca daripada keangkuhan, kejahilan, mahupun ketaasuban yang nyata.