Recalling his experience as the speaker when Pakatan Harapan (PH) formed the federal government, Ariff lamented the unruly attitude of MPs, which he had wanted to put a stop to, so that debates could be carried out in a civil manner.

“Certain MPs blatantly abuse parliamentary immunity and they know how to make use of the privilege.

“They will shout nonsense, including profanities and indulge in name-calling. When they are called out by the speaker, they will retract their remarks. But they will continue with their old ways after that,” he said at the launch of his book, Parliament Unexpected, in Kuala Lumpur today.

Ariff said he had wanted to come up with a code of conduct for MPs, ministers who are MPs and the speaker’s office as well.

“Unfortunately, Sheraton Move happened and I was ousted,” he said.

Ariff said the existing penalty of RM1,000 for unruly behaviour under parliamentary standing orders was inadequate and ineffective in keeping MPs in check.

“I also wanted to amend the parliamentary standing orders to increase this penalty to make it more of a deterrent but I never got to do it.”

Ariff served as speaker from July 2018 until his removal in July 2020, after PH fell and Perikatan Nasional took over.

Throughout his tenure, he spearheaded parliamentary reforms by introducing a number of parliamentary select committees to have greater checks and balances on the government.

Entry of youths in Malaysian politics

Commenting on the entry of Muda in Malaysian politics, he said this was well-timed.

“The time is right for the young to form a party. All over the world, young leaders are rising up and they are making their country better.

“If five of them (Muda candidates) get elected in Johor, that would be better (for the state). If 30 young MPs are elected in the next GE15, the country will improve.”

He recalled how the current batch of young MPs had behaved professionally in Parliament. They had also performed well in the all-party parliamentary groups formed throughout his tenure.