The Last Day of First Parliament Sitting in 2008

Done! The first parliament sitting after the March 8th General Election is over! It started on April 29, 2008 and ended yesterday, May 29, 2008, after a two days extention.

The first day of parliament sitting, with half an hour live telecast, has turned into chaos. It was widely reported throughout the world and some MPs performance were shameful.

This parliament sitting has many new record:

1. This is the first time, after GE in May 1969, Barisan Nasional has lost 2/3 majority in the parliament.

2. This is the first time Oppostion Leader is a women, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

3. This is the first time MCA has not sit next to PM, because MCA President is not a minister.

4. This is the first time all ministers were given a room in Parliament so that they can attend parliament sitting, unlike those days where only parliamentary secretary or deputy minister answering questions.

5. This is the first time we have 30 minutes live telecast on parliament sitting.

6. This is the first time (if i m not mistaken), Cabinet meeting change to Friday, instead of traditionally Wednesday, so to enable ministers to attend parliament sitting.

Well, to add spice on the topic, this is also the first time where rumours on vote of no confident to PM is running high few weeks before and after parliament sitting started. Now that the first session is over, nothing seems to happen and this mean that Anwar Ibrahim is still far far away from getting the job of Malaysia PM.

Overall, few interesting and shameful things happen during the first session of parliament sitting. Quite a few numbers of MP, mostly from opposition party, didn't submit their question, first time MP was the reason given. I personally can't accept that because once you were elected, then you must take up the job seriously and not trying to celebrate until you forget your duty.

Media seems to be the most happy group during the sitting because they get lots of "news" coverage on new mps, their comments, their dressing, their girlfriend, their vehicle, and so on. Everything became "news".

I must admit the sad part was when two shameful mps demanding Karpal Singh to stand up while debating (Karpal is handycap after an accident and sits on wheelchair). This is totally unacceptable and was a shame to Malaysia Parliament. Wake up MP!

Left, Bung Moktar, MP of Kinabatangan
Right, Ibrahim Ali, MP of Machang

Now that the first session ended, hope all MPs will be more professional and behaved. We are watching, Yang Berhormat!