Najib said Abu Zahar was outstanding as Senate president and had ensured that the legislative body was not seen as a mere rubber stamp.

The Prime Minister said as Dewan Negara president Abu Zahar gave a lot of latitude to senators to voice their ideas and views even though they may have had different opinions.

Najib said in the spirit of democracy, having different opinions was not an unhealthy thing.

“Many times, the views aired in the Dewan Negara and the Dewan Rakyat have been taken into consideration and we have made amendments. Sometimes we even withdraw bills because we respect the views of these two bodies.

“I think we have struck the right balance. If there are improvements, we agree because through efforts like this, the status of Parliament will be improved,” he said last night at a farewell for Abu Zahar, 72, who steps down after two terms.

He said Abu Zahar’s capability and firmness as the president of the Dewan Negara, “although he is sometimes seen as fierce, had always been fair and balanced in making decisions,” Najib said

The farewell ceremony included the launching of a book, Yang Dipertua Dewan Negara ke-16.

Najib said fairness and balance were important traits for the Senate president as it was not only crucial to get the trust of the government but also that of the opposition so that the two houses of Parliament were seen as credible legislative bodies which really represented the people.

Last week, Abu Zahar made headlines when he reprimanded Opposition members of the Dewan Rakyat for holding a press conference in the lobby of Parliament House while the Dewan Negara was in session.

Last night’s farewell was also attended by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia, several cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, members of Parliament and senators.

-BERNAMA