Will Rogers, an American well-known for his wisecracks in telling the truth in very simple words was noted for saying: "Everything is changing. People are taking comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke."

The recent episode of a Barisan Nasional MP throwing a slur at Indian Malaysians indeed reflects the long-standing perception of most Malaysians that our elected representatives are not up to the mark of statesmanship.

I agree with both the writers of the letters Badruddin belongs in circus and Jerai MP ignorant, needs classes and share many of their views expressed. And if I may add, the Jerai member of parliament should voluntarily engage himself in lifelong learning on leadership.

His other recent utterances in Parliament also called on those who don't like the idea of Malaysia as an Islamic state to leave the country. Consequently, it also reflected his indifference and insensitivity to more than 14,000 Chinese and Indian voters in his constituency.

I hope these voters are fully aware of their folly in supporting a leader who has neither shown respect nor sensitivity towards our multi-racial makeup.

The performance of BN politicians in Parliament should not undermine the Barisan Nasional leadership's role in pushing the National Integrity Plan aimed at promoting accountability, good governance and ethical practices as well as positive social and cultural values.

In fact, members of parliament should play the key role of leadership by example and spend quality time debating the various challenges and tasks confronting our nation. The respectable House should not be treated like a coffee shop or a "pasar" (market) with some representatives yelling in a shouting match over frivolous matters.

As a role model of parliamentary democracy, our country should not project an image of having "bad, rude and 'din'" (Cantonese for mad) elected representatives. Let us vote in the right leaders with leadership qualities we will be proud of.