DPM urges MPs to continue practising democracy outside Parliament

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday expressed hope that all Members of Parliament (MPs) will be able to translate the true meaning of democracy into their daily decisions and actions even though they will no longer meet in the Dewan Rakyat.

The Deputy Prime Minister said he was also confident that each of the MPs would be able to use their experiences in the Dewan Rakyat to handle their differences of opinion.

“Although we will meet after this in the (14th general) election battlefield, I’m sure that with our experiences in Dewan Rakyat, we will remain as friends, despite our differences of opinion.

“As friends, of course we have our differences, but what’s important is for us to return to tasawuf (moral) teachings,” he said on behalf of the government before the Dewan Rakyat adjourned sine die yesterday after having convened for the first meeting of the sixth term of the 13th Parliament since March 5. The meeting is likely to be the last for the term of the 13th Parliament which ends on June 24. Parliament is expected to be dissolved soon for the 14th General Election.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, also expressed his gratitude to Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Deputy Speakers, officials and staff and sergeantat-arms (Bentara).

“On behalf of the government and our friends on the other side (opposition), we would like to extend our gratitude for the professional contributions by the Speaker (Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia) to us in the Dewan Rakyat,” said Ahmad Zahid, who also thanked the opposition leader and MPs.

The Bagan Datuk MP also expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as the leader of the 13th Parliament, for all the transformations he made.

“InsyaAllah, if we get bigger mandate, we will do our level best for the people, we will enter the election battlefield with the best strategy, we will fight,” he added.