The headlines of two newspapers recently decried 'Shahrir's Shocker'. That two separate and independent newspaper editors can choose the exact same words is in itself an unlikely probability unless, of course, they are declaring what is a commonly perceived truth. Truth is the fact that Backbenchers Club chairperson Shahrir Abdul Samad has resigned. My question is why is it so shocking that he resigned from his BBC appointment? To me, the resignation was not shocking at all but rather should have been expected. Let me build my theory.

The process began on that great day in Parliament when all backbenchers and opposition members stood in unison to uphold parliamentary dignity, integrity and sovereignty of good governance. Shahrir Samad had then moved a motion for a reinstatement of the Parliamentary Service Act (PSA) of 1963 which was repealed in 1992 by the government. The August house, including backbenchers and the opposition, concurred with a standing ovation! However, this unanimous proposition was subsequently overruled by the cabinet, even if we assume that it had been properly discussed within the cabinet. But if I am not mistaken, the BN Whip and the deputy prime minister said such an amendment was not necessary. And that was end of that matter and the subsequent discussion of it.