Anthony Charles Lynton Blair in his last Prime Minister Question Time (PMQT) in the British parliament last week confessed his fear of facing Her Majesty's opposition during those sessions.

The fear is every bit as real since the first day 10 years ago, he said, adding 'and it is in this fear that respect is contained'.

When there is maturity, there is appreciation for accountability. Blair and his cabinet recognises the need for accountability from the opposition party. That is what makes democracy, a democracy when there is transparency and accountability.

When a prime minister is there to answer the questions amidst a hostile environment and yet at the end of his tenure he says that he respects his opposition colleagues, that is democracy.

Blair also said that there were occasions of skullduggery but most times there is the pursuit of noble causes.

Our Malaysian members of parliament must learn that they have been put there by the people and they must seriously debate the issues facing the people ie, rising crime, corruption, inflation, transport problems, the economy, etc.