SIMPANG Renggam Member of Parliament (MP) Liang Teck Meng’s response to the MP Watch: Eye on Parliament project, which asks all 222 MPs six questions.
(source: parlimen.gov.my)Name: Liang Teck Meng
Constituency: Simpang Renggam
Party: Gerakan
Years as MP: Since 2008
Government position: None
Party position:
Central committee member
Youth vice-president
Membership in parliamentary committee or caucus: Public Accounts Committee member
Blog/website: Facebook — Liang Teck Meng
Would you support the abolition/review of the Internal Security Act (ISA), in particular the provision that allows for detention without trial? Why or why not?
I support a review of the ISA. The detention period should be shortened. The power of the Home Minister should also be reviewed to prevent any abuse.
Do you think Malaysia should be a secular or an Islamic state? Why?
[It should be] a secular state simply because we are a multiracial country and we have to respect human rights.
How do you define your role as an elected MP? Does Parliament provide you with the necessary infrastructure and support to fulfill your role?
[An] MP should be a representative to concentrate on [formulating the] country’s policies and laws, but in reality we do more work than a lawmaker, we even have to help settle local council problems which are directly related to the people.
The allocation of funds is insufficient and the process is much too bureaucratic.
Would you support a Freedom of Information Act? Why or why not?
Yes, but not now. There are many politicians who like to give irresponsible statements to earn political mileage. In addition, we are a multiracial country; racist statements may hurt the feelings of one another.
If there was one thing you could do to strengthen parliamentary democracy in Malaysia, what would it be?
That no disciplinary action be taken within the coalition in the event of [MPs] disagreeing with certain stands or Bills.
Do you believe in the separation of powers between the government, Parliament and judiciary? Why or why not?
Yes, if the principles of democracy are exercised truly and thoroughly. 
For other MP responses, see Full MP list
The Nut Graph needs your support
Please take our five-minute reader survey
Poh soon says
Hello sir,
You seem to be conflicting yourself. You mentioned that you are supporting a Freedom of Information Act, but not now. You say that there many politicians like to give irresponsible statements. Then, isn’t it more crucial to have a Freedom of Information Act? Such an act could be used to diffuse irresponsible statements, can’t it?
Also, if you say not now, then when?
Pratamad says
“[It should be] a secular state simply because we are a multiracial country and we have to respect human rights.”
Human rights has nothing to do with this question, unless you are implying that either way would be an infringement of human rights. I am puzzled.
marcus says
I am not sure whether it is the MP or TNG. But the answer by this MP is very conflicting and uncertain. He can’t even say properly whether he support free of information act or not.
This is not the type of MP with intelligence or any clear policy in mind. No wonder I have never heard of this person.
===
We edit their responses for grammar and sometimes brevity and clarity of expression, but we do not change the content of their answers.
Shanon Shah
Columns and Comments Editor