KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has defended the parliamentary freedom that existed under his 22-year rule, saying it was more democratic than under the administration of current Prime Minister Najib Razak.
The 91-year-old today made his first official appearance in the Parliament, after stepping down from his post as the country’s number one more than a decade ago.
“I feel very sad because this Parliament is not the Parliament we used to have since the time of (Malaysia’s first prime minister) Tunku Abdul Rahman.
“Except for the rule about not instigating the different races. Otherwise, there was no restriction and no action taken against what was said in Parliament.
“Even when they call me ‘mahazalim’ and ‘mahafiraun’. In fact, if they want to call me that now, it’s alright,” he said in a press conference at the Parliament’s temporary building here.
According to Mahathir, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia has definitely kept his promise to implement parliamentary reforms.
However, Pandikar’s changes appear to be for the worse and in future, all debates may be banned completely, he added.
“It will be a situation where you just go there and like every government supporter, say ‘yes’ to everything.”
When asked about allegations made against him, that he was a dictator who had implemented stricter control over the Dewan Rakyat, Mahathir replied by asking for an example of a dictator who had resigned on his own accord.
“Which dictator resigned when he was in power? I resigned not because people wanted to kick me out. I resigned because it was time for others to take over. And look what happened.
“(But) I don’t regret resigning. Whatever it is, there will come a time where you have to go six feet under.”
DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang, who was also present, then came to his former rival’s defence, saying no MPs had ever faced any action for speaking in Parliament on issues concerning the country in Mahathir’s time.
“We didn’t have a Speaker issuing out subjudice rule for events that are taking place in other countries, in order to prevent debates on important issues.
“(And) we hope with Mahathir’s appearance today, the voices of current and former MPs will be heard.
“It will send a clear message not only to the Speaker, but also the prime minister, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General, not to encroach into parliamentary immunity and privilege.”
Mahathir had earlier attended a special meeting on parliamentary privileges and immunity of MPs here.
Also in attendance were Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia President Muhyiddin Yassin, Parti Warisan Sabah President Shafie Apdal, and PKR President Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Former second finance minister Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah however, was absent.
The talk was addressed to more than 30 opposition lawmakers and Mahathir spoke of the police probe on the three former ministers, Muhyiddin, Husni, and Shafie.
The trio were accused of breaching their oath of secrecy, and for revealing information classified under the Official Secrets Act by speaking in the House, on matters discussed in the Cabinet.