BOOK REVIEW | With the fast-changing pace of the political landscapes, the fortunes of politicians or political groups can drastically change in the course of a week. Hence the adage, a week is a long time in politics.
Two years ago this week, Malaysians watched, some in joy and most in disgust and despair as a democratically elected government fell within a week - through a series of defections and skulduggery in what has come to be known as the “Sheraton move”.
The then Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof was caught unawares of the horse-trading and the manipulations before the perpetrators moved and put their plans into action. He had just returned from Georgia, leading a group of parliamentarians on an official visit when the drama unfolded.
In his book, Parliament, Unexpected, he writes: “I was not, then nor now privy to the manoeuvres, let alone as a direct or indirect participant. As the Speaker, I was, however, sucked into the political quagmire by a series of side events.”
He chronicled events of his rather short tenure and the tumultuous events when he presided over proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat.
Starting with the baptism of fire which he received on the first day on the job on July 16, 2018, until his untimely removal 23 months later, he presents the happenings, some of which had been highlighted in the media, more for their notoriety.
The author includes several narratives on the conduct, more the misconduct of members who were supposed to be wakil rakyat or representatives of the people.
He writes: “It is often asked: ‘Why do our Members of Parliament behave so badly?’. As speaker, I must say on several occasions it became so embarrassing to be seated at the head of the House and to hear loud insults, racist statements, facile provocations and extreme misbehaviour, especially when school children and students were present as visitors in the House.
“It was particularly saddening when those showing this non-appreciation of decorum were the senior members in age and experience.”
Ariff reminisced his first visit to Parliament as a student in 1968 when debates were civil and does not remember hearing shouts or abuses in the Chamber during his visits.
He had plans to re-brand Parliament and reverse the perceived negative public perception but the change of government ended his efforts not before 37 events were organised.
While he had no clue about the impending “Sheraton move”, he was caught in the events that followed and provided the prelude before his removal.
He writes: “I had a visit from two senior ministers on June 26, 2020, at my office after Friday prayers. It was led by Azmin (Ali), the International Trade minister and Takiyuddin (Hassan) tagging along.
“They were exceedingly polite and respectful to me, as I was to them. Polites opening pleasantries, carefully guarded statements of intent and so forth.”
Azmin suggested that, as usual, when there’s a change of government, there will be other changes as well at the top.
Ariff quoted Azmin as saying: “Kita hendak cari cara yang terbaik. (We would like to find the best resolution).”
“I assured them I would not obstruct the constitutional process, ‘Give me the motion today, this afternoon’ I said, and ‘I will approve the motion for my own removal’”
An hour later, the motion of the prime minister to have him vacate his office arrived, and as promised, it was approved.
Some heavyweights were involved in the debate on the motion, including Anwar Ibrahim, who wanted to know the reasons for the removal of the speaker.
Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s riposte makes amusing reading and an understanding of the quality and eminence of lawmakers and their carefree attitude when confronted by the rules or by common sense.
Ariff quotes the MP from the Hansard: “We have changed the government, give it a chance lah. We have changed the government; we follow the government first. Now, we have this government, just follow our government now… it’s as simple as that.”
And quite rightly and laconically, the author notes as a rejoinder: “Well, what can I say to a matter ‘as simple as that’ according to Pasir Salak?”
Books of fiction have plots, sub-plots, escapades and eventful episodes, but this personal account of the author’s role as the head of Parliament has all such ingredients brought about by people whom we are supposed to address as “Yang Berhormat” (Rt Honourable).
Reading the book, such a prefix is a misnomer on some of them. They did not box to Queensbury Rules and in the process, turned the House into a pasar malam (night market).
The book reveals incidents where the rules of the house were thrown out of the window and parliamentary decorum was not maintained.
It will be doing injustice to summarise the entire gamut of his recollections and observations in this review but suffice to say, it provides some succinct episodes and an insight into various episodes in and out of the august house.
Parliament, Unexpected will be launched today (Feb 27) at the Kuala Lumpur Alternative Book Festival 2022 at the Pasar Seni.
R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist and writes on bread-and-butter issues and enjoys a good read. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com
- Mkini
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