Backbenchers Club chairman: Parliament has become like Central Market

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2008


KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 ─ If the first day of Parliament's sitting was described as a boisterous market where only three questions were answered, yesterday it was described by one MP as "Central Market" complete with cake, candles and singing. And that despite it being the highest law-making institution in the country.

The attitude of some MPs in bringing visitors for certain purposes caused discomfort among other parliamentarians.

About 20 men and women, believed to be Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) supporters, first held a news conference which turned into a birthday celebration when the parliamentary session took a break at 1pm.

The celebration was for Wvaishnari, the six-year-old daughter of Hindraf leader P. Waythamoorthy, and the group sang "Happy Birthday To You" in the lobby near the MPs' rest area.

A cake with six candles was placed on a table in the lobby.

The birthday song was sung repeatedly and MP N. Gobalakrishnan (PKR-Padang Serai) was seen carrying the child to meet fellow MPs.

Some MPs were given red roses but overall the situation was calm with no untoward incident.

Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Tiong King Sing reminded opposition MPs that Parliament was not a place they could do as they pleased and bring in outsiders.

"Before it was a market, now it is Central Market. As the highest institution in the country, you cannot just bring in outsiders as you please. I will raise the matter with the Dewan Rakyat Speaker," Tiong said when met in the lobby.

He called on opposition MPs not to use the Hindraf issue and children to champion the cause.

Opposition parties are urging the government to release the five Hindraf leaders who are under Internal Security Act (ISA) detention.

Later, the supporters gathered in front of Istana Negara to appeal to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin to have the five released. ─ Bernama