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Ministers And Members Of Parliament Must Attend Parliament Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the 14 work ethics for ministers issued by the Prime Minister on 15 December 1999 and announced by the Deputy Prime Minister in Putrajaya on 24 December 1999. 27.12.1999. | |||||||
| Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Badawi said that the Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad issued a directive at the first meeting of the new Cabinet on December 15, listing 13 aspects of responsibility and 14 points related to ethics for ministers. For example, Ministers must carry out their duties with collective responsibility, loyalty, efficiency and dedication. They should not have any business interest and should relinquish any position held in companies (during the tenure of office). We shall continue to keep an eye on the ministers especially in parliament. As opposition members of parliament, MPs, one of our responsibilities is to analyze the policies and measures of the Government, point out the weaknesses and put forward alternatives. This means that the mass media must be fair. As we prattle about parliamentary democracy, we believe that an important responsibility of a minister is to appear in parliament to answer questions on his or her ministry as often as possible. We shall refer to the 13 aspects of responsibility and 14 points related to ethics. Previously, very few ministers actually took the trouble to answer questions on their ministries personally. Many leave them to their deputy ministers or parliamentary secretaries to face the gallery | |
or the music. Dr Mahathir has warned the Barisan Nasional, BN (National Front) MPs to attend parliament or face the consequence. At any rate, there are 45 Barisan Alternative, BA(the Alternative Front) MPs. There must always be more BN than BA MPs. Otherwise, some Government motions or bills may not be passed. The Prime Minister has given this type of warning before. It did not seem to work. If there is a direct radio and television broadcast of parliamentary meetings, all ministers and MPs must try their best to appear in parliament or face the wrath of the people or the contituents. The quality of debate will definitely improve. Each MP will have to talk meaningfully. There are pros and cons about direct TV broadcasting on parliamentary proceedings. Let us look at the experience of other countries that have this type of direct broadcasts. Anyway, it is only a matter of time before Malaysia implement this. It is a step in the right direction that soon after the November 1999 general election, the Prime Minister and his Deputy are discussing the duties and responsibilities of ministers and MPs. Although we are always concerned about local, social and welfare matters, we have always stressed the duties and responsibilites of all MPs including ministers. We shall continue to do so.
Dr Tan Seng Giaw | |||||
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