Communication and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak has emphasised the need for debates in parliament to be based on facts, and for all lawmakers to maintain calm.

He pointed out that quality lawmakers would present their arguments and views in a calm and factual manner.

Whereas, he said, those who suffer from a quality deficit would be more combative because these MPs are not armed with facts, and rely on hearsay and assumptions instead.

“So without proper information, the tone of the voice when debating in parliament is similar to screaming and shouting, in order to attract attention,” he added in a blog post.

Without mentioning names or pointing fingers, the minister said such behaviour leads to the House becoming tense and chaotic.

“In other countries, such chaos sometimes culminate in the throwing of shoes, fights and punches (being thrown).

“We surely do not want to see this happen in our parliament,” he added.

Therefore, Salleh urged lawmakers to keep their emotions in check as well as to debate and articulate their views with wisdom.

“Present your arguments in a calm manner so that our parliament does not look like a fish market,” he said.

The minister pointed out that the purpose of politics is to enact, defend and amend rules for the nation.

“Let us do this together for the good of the nation and people although we may have differing views,” he said.