I REFER to your report “Dewan Rakyat: Uphold people’s trust, King tells Parliament” (NST, April 30).

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin called on MPs to use Parliament to further the interests of the people and not their individual political gain. This warning sets the tone of the seriousness of the current parliamentary session, which promises to be a very lively one with 99 new members eagerly waiting to get into action.

The 12th Parliament is a historic one in many ways.

For one, it has a record number of opposition parliamentarians (82). It is the first time all three opposition parties have formed a coalition, the Pakatan Rakyat, to take on the BN. It is also the first time the opposition leader is a woman. Above all, it is the first time the opposition coalition is claiming to mount a serious challenge to the ruling party by announcing its readiness to form the next federal government.

The people have voted an ideally balanced Parliament with 140 members from BN and 82 from Pakatan. Although the BN does not have a two-thirds majority, it has enough power to formulate the right policies that benefit the rakyat. At the same time, a stronger opposition should ensure the ruling party does not abuse the power vested in it.

With this scenario, it is time for all parties to compete with one another to serve the people better. Political parties may differ in their ideologies but should be united in their ideals — working for the rakyat. Politics of hate and discrimination of the past should make way for politics of co-operation for the common good.

They must ensure the reforms promised related to the judiciary, fighting corruption and press freedom are carried out without delay. Other areas that need serious attention are the escalating cost of living, abolition of repressive laws, promoting greater harmony among the various races and religions, developing a more people-oriented civil service and police and adopting a fairer socio-economic system based solely on merit.

The people expect a high level of competence, integrity and morality in their representatives in discharging their duties in Parliament. Can our legislators rise up to the occasion and live up to their oaths of office?

Our MPs may have rules and regulations to guide and check them but the most important compelling force should be their commitment to their constituents.

CHRIS ANTHONY, Butterworth

Source: NST – May 2, 2008