I AM ashamed of the behaviour of our elected representatives in Parliament as well as the speaker and his deputies.

It looks as though the people have elected the wrong set of people to represent them. I am appalled that words such as “bloody b*****d” or worse were uttered. Whether this comes from a member of the ruling party or the opposition, I am disap - pointed by the speaker’s decision to allow the matter to end by merely calling on the offender to retract his words. On a previous occasion, when an opposition member tried to clarify what she was trying to say, she was sent out together with another opposition member who tried to help her out. A child could see how unfair the speaker was. I am not trying to defend the opposition but where fairness is concerned, I am very particular. I am not saying the speaker was totally unfair for there have been occasions when he has defended them but such occasions have been rare. Of late, I feel, the speaker has shown bias and I am ashamed of his behaviour. Although he is appointed by the ruling party, he is an institution in his own right and should not take sides. He should be independent. His rulings must be respected. I suggest that the speaker and his deputies restore the integrity and respect of this august position by behaving in a more even-handed manner. As for the parliamentarians, I will say this: if you continue to behave like you are doing now, then consider this to be your last term in office.

MOHD GHAZALI OSMAN, Ipoh

Source: NST – November 11, 2008