Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Adnan Yaakob is to be commended for his apologies to the DAP Pahang State Assembly Opposition Leader Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji and the DAP Tanah Rata State Assemblyman Leong Ngah Ngah for his improper State Assembly conduct last week.

Adnan had threatened to punch Tengku Zulpuri and had questioned if he was a Muslim when Tengku Zulpuri had challenged Adnan’s statement that the Penang floods earlier this month had been an act of God in retaliation to beer festivals that were allowed to happen in the state.

At one point, an irate Adnan had said “Tuan yang di-pertua. Keluar dewan saja (Mr speaker. Let’s leave the chambers),” alluding that he and Tengku Zulpuri should take matters outside.

After the Speaker, Datuk Ishak Muhammad, adjourned the assembly, Adnan had continued to challenge Tengku Zulpuri to a fight.

The next day, Adnan directed harsh words at Leong, also during the legislative assembly.

Adnan’s act of contrition should be emulated by all politicians in Malaysia, whether in government or opposition, who should nurture the growth of parliamentary democracy with its cut-and-thrust of parliamentary debate. It is important that politicians must not take political criticisms as personal attacks.