Ways of getting attention

In a court of law, a lawyer has to be appointed to act for someone because he knows the rules. It is common for someone at the witness stand, feeling frustrated because questions are framed in such a way that he or she has to answer 'yes' or 'no' and not allowed to elaborate on it.

What I have seen on television last night was a scene of our Parliament in session where DAP Members of Parliament, YB Jeff Ooi (Jelutong), and then YB Fong Po Kuan (Batu Gajah), had to continue speaking despite being told to sit down by Speaker, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin. They were suspended for not obeying orders.

For anyone watching the scene the first time, it would appear both MPs were rude and therefore justly suspended for a short while. But I am sure I am not the only one having this perception that the Speaker had been biased in numerous occasions when dealing with MPs, depending on which side of the political divide they are from. Much leeway when dealing with BN MPs but harsh and quick to suspend when dealing with opposition MPs. Had the Speaker been more generous in allowing topics proposed by opposition for discussion, as well as giving more time for them to discuss in more detail when they were given the chance, all these apparent disobedience would not happen. Given that time is precious in Parliament, much time was wasted in so many occasions involving relatively petty issues.

The double standards are obvious too where Speakers are concerned. Speaker's power is deemed paramount in Parliament, yet a State Assembly Speaker was dragged by force with the help of the police acting on the order of a mere State Secretary, with the acquiescence of or more likely, upon secret orders from people in the higher order.

I can imagine local issues which seem important to local people have little chance of being heard, so the local MP has to try very hard to make it possible, sometimes by indirect means. It is like getting a leg in the door first to get attention. I can empathize with the MPs, if they felt frustrated for whatever reasons.

Outside Parliament, it would appear that to get PM's attention, it is relatively easy if one happened to be a turncoat, alleged victim of sodomy or even a reformed rude rapper.

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