Finally, the 12th Malaysian Parliament has had its baptism of abuse and roof-leaking.

Unlike past parliaments, a great deal of public expectation is riding on the current crop of MPs, especially those sitting on the swollen opposition benches. For the first time, the government has decided to broadcast live the first hour of the sitting, comprising the oral question and answer.

The first day of the sitting was marked by ugly name-calling. That prompted the Information Minister to opine aloud whether the live broadcast should be continued. Again, he was wallowing in the old ways, acting as if the administration still has uncontested dominion over the legislative branch of government.