New Speaker Pandikar calls for 'Ini kali lah' and 'transformasi' in Parliament

Newly re-elected Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia drew cheers when he used political slogans such as 'ubah' and 'transformasi' during his acceptance speech in Parliament today.

Calling for elected representatives in the 13th Parliament to improve themselves, Pandikar said that to him, the meaning of these slogans was to 'changing attitudes for the betterment of the people'.

"Ayoh! Kita ubah, kita bereformasi, kita bertransformasi, kalau bukan siapa lagi, kalau bukan sekarang bila lagi? Ini kali lah!" he read out in his speech after he received 133 votes to be the new Yang Di-Pertua Speaker.

"For those who popularised these slogans, they may have their own meanings for them. But for me, these are messages for 'changing attitudes for betterment'."

Pandikar said that the culture of parliament should be of higher standards.

"Good temper and moderation are thr characteristics of parliamentary language, parliamentary language is never more desirable than when a member is canvassing the opinions and conduct of his opponents in debate, " he said.

Pandikar said that he was willing to "berubah"(change), jokingly noting that his robe has also been "transformed".

He called for Pakatan Rakyat, who he noted has now seated according to a single bloc and not by individual parties, to form their own shadow cabinet so that debate can be more streamlined.

Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak proposed Pandikar as Speaker again for this term. This was supported by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

For Pakatan Rakyat, Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim had nominated former Federal Court judge Datuk Abdul Kadir Sulaiman for the post, and this was seconded by DAP chairman and Bukit Gelugor MP, Karpal Singh.

During the voting process, a small commotion erupted when Pas's Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar questioned the need for ballot papers to include the names of the reps.

Meanwhile, following the swearing-in of all 222 MPs, Ronald Kiandee (BN-Beluran) and Ismail Mohamed Aziz (BN-Kuala Krau) were appointed deputy speakers.

Both became deputy speakers uncontested. This was because Pakatan, which had intended to nominate Kamaruddin Jaafar (PAS-Tumpat) for one of the posts, had failed to submit his name 14-days before the opening session today.

Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi tabled the motion ordering the Inspector-General of Police to ensure there is no obstruction for MPs to make their way to and from Parliament.

The motion was passed unanimously by voice vote.

Parliament was then adjourned. Tomorrow, the Agong will officially open the proceedings and deliver the royal address.