A newly-elected people representative sent me a text message. “The party's instruction: in the future, my title is “Yang Berkhidmat”, instead of “Yang Berhormat”. They are different YB. In order to avoid confusion, so don't call me YB when we meet up next time.”

The “respected” YB have become a “serving” YB.

Good! This is a new political atmosphere. Nobody is still living in a feudal era. Therefore, no one is more noble than another.

People representatives are elected by the people. Of course they must serve the people, and not to be worshiped. In the past, we always call YB. The status of the people seems to be lowered, while the people representatives seem to be upgraded.

Well, when they are having distinguishing identities, their status would be different too. Good food, nice wine, expensive cars and luxury villas are a matter of course. Next, they must also have ostentation. They will also get more interests and benefits.

Their attitude changed within a short period.

In fact, the name of “Yang Berhormat” is only suitable to be used in the Parliament, and it is a form of address between the colleagues.

In the Parliament, they called each other “Yang Berhormat” because they represent a constituency. It is the people who is noble, not the representatives.

This is the parliamentary custom among the Commonwealth countries. In the United Kingdom and Australia, the people also call each other “Right Honourable” in the Parliament. However, they will call each other “Mr” or “Mrs” outside the Parliament. There is no difference between their status.

When the title is clear, the identity is easier to be clarified too.

No expensive car, no luxury villa and no privilege. Their job is to do good work and serve the people. (By TAY TIAN YAN/ Translated by LEE MEI NYEE/ Sin Chew Daily)