With few opposition, Penang backbenchers told to play 'check and balance' role

Members of the Penang backbenchers have been asked to step up their role as the check and balance to the state government, in view of the fact the opposition comprises just three representatives in the state assembly.

Despite the low number, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Law Choo Kiang gave his assurance that there will be enough time for the opposition to bring the people's concerns to the House.

"I also encourage the government backbenchers to actively play their check and balance role," Law told Malaysiakini when asked about the matter.

Backbenchers include former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng, who is the Air Putih assemblyperson, and Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, the Pantai Jerejak assemblyperson.

There are currently 19 DAP assemblypersons, 14 PKR assemblypersons, two each from Amanah and Bersatu, while BN-Umno has two representatives and PAS, just one.

The two Umno opposition members are Sungai Dua assemblyperson Mohamad Yusof Noor and Permatang Berangan representative Nor Hafizah Othman, while PAS is represented by Penaga assemblyperson Mohd Yusni Mat Piah.

Mohamad Yusof is the new state opposition leader, replacing former Ayer Teluk Tawar assemblyperson Jahara Hamid, who did not contest in the 14th general election.

The previous term saw the up to 10 Umno members forming a much stronger opposition voice in the assembly.

"I was known for my fairness to the opposition in the last term, and I will continue being fair to them," Law said, referring to praise he received in managing the House in a fair manner the previous term.

More first-timers

Today saw 40 state representatives being sworn-in at the state assembly on Light Street, in the first session of the first term of the 14th State Legislative Assembly.

They were led by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Chief Minister I Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman and Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy.

As more than half the Penang Legislative Assembly is represented by new faces, up to 26 in total, Law urged first-term assemblypersons to speedily study the standing orders of the  assembly.

"Be aware that this is the Penang State Legislative Assembly, not the local councils like the Penang Island City Council or the Seberang Perai Municipal Council.

"This is also not Parliament. All assemblypersons are advised to uphold the legislative status of the Penang Legislative Assembly," Law told Malaysiakini on his expectation that the first-term assemblypersons should be familiar with House matters.

The current third-term Bukit Tambun assemblyperson also urged all representatives to debate professionally.

"Always debate with good manners, argue with facts and figures, avoid politicking in the House," Law cautioned. - Mkini