Bangkok: The role of Speakers of state legislative assemblies and Parliament as wise, fair, and impartial arbiters must be strengthened to ensure that legislative institutions remain respected and public confidence continues to be upheld. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul emphasized the necessity for the House to function as a true 'house of democracy', serving as a primary platform for orderly democratic practice while also acting as a training ground for future leaders.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johari remarked on the importance of the legislative institution as a reflection of the nation's central role in the law-making process. He stressed that Speakers must be perceived as impartial referees, not aligned with any political party, and must act fairly to ensure decisions ultimately benefit the people. He made these comments during a press conference after attending the Conference of Speakers of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies, themed 'Representatives for the People: A Reflection of Legislative Leadership', held in Banda Hilir.

The four-day conference, which began yesterday, was officiated by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. Johari highlighted that in times when public trust in institutions is often challenged, the Speaker serves as a critical safeguard, maintaining the integrity of the House as a check-and-balance mechanism against the executive.

He further explained that every ruling, reprimand, and allocation of speaking time from the Speaker's Chair plays a role in reinforcing public confidence in the democratic system. The conference also aims to reshape the mindset of assembly members, encouraging them to understand their role beyond partisan politics. Johari stressed that once elected, members represent the voice of the people, not party or personal interests, and political contestation should remain outside the House.

Another key focus of the conference is achieving uniformity in understanding and practice among the states, considering Malaysia's diverse demographic landscape. Johari emphasized the need for a common understanding of the House's role across all states to ensure that democratic principles are consistently understood and applied nationwide.