Accountability? What accountability?

Categories: Malaysia

The stepping down of Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Shahrir Samad as its chairman over the Parliament's refusal to probe a newspaper report about an MP who had allegedly asked the Customs Department to "close one eye" in a case involving the import of sawn timber should be supported by all those who value Parliamentary integrity. This is at odds with what the government is trying to do the last few months.

In January, Prime Minister Badawi accepted the recommendation of a Royal Commission to set up the IPCMC to look into any possible excesses by the Police. This however was still not implemented and seemed to be going the way of the dinosaurs. Then while still taking about the IPCMC, the government suddenly talked about the setting up of an ombudsman to look into any complaint against all government agencies. Although these idea did not come from the Parliament, these ideas are consistent with PM Badawi's call for transparency and accountability.

Therefore it seems incongruous that the very seat of government, the lawmakers, the pillar of Malaysian politics should choose not to police itself when one of its members is accused of unlawful meddling in a government agency. How can the lawmakers, our elected representatives, choose to ignore such allegations. Such allegation is an attack on the integrity of each Member of Parliament and hence the Parliament itself. It is strange that the government MPs are so dead against probing into the allegations when it is the government's call for accountability and transparency. Does this mean that accountability and transparency only applies to everybody else except the Members of Parliament? Datuk Sharir at least has some principles. He felt that an attack against an MP means an attack against all MP and therefore Parliament itself. And MPs should be the ones to probe the allegation further so that the truth be known and MPs can clear their names and hence Parliament keeps its integrity. There should not be any partisan politics here as all MPs are tarnished. Therefore out of principle, he had chosen to resign as Chairman of the Backbenchers Club.

There should not be just talk about accountability and transparency. People should walk the talk. If lawmakers do not subscribed to their own call, then how can any other 'lesser' souls respect and listen to them. These lawmakers would have lost their moral right to direct the country. I wonder what the Prime Minister has to say on the matter?