Monday, 11 January 2016 - The six days Commonwealth Conference attended by 50 speakers of the Commonwealth Countries was officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, earlier this morning.

Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi placing down the mace replica to launch the 23rd (CSPOC) Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth as the President of The Senate, Speaker of The House of Representatives, Chief Minister of Sabah and Speaker of Sabah Legislative Assembly looked on

Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was welcomed by the “Usunan” parade, a unique traditional cultural heritage which is closely related to Kota Belud Bajau people.

“Usunan” is a form of carriage which is used to carry the royals or the VIPs to their destinations.

Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi with the Commonwealth Speakers at the the 23rd (CSPOC) Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, H.E. Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Pandikar Amin Haji Mulia said Speakers could connect the people’s perception with the reality of the legislative system of the Commonwealth countries.

Speakers and the Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth should practise a new thinking attitude in facing the challenges of the new technology era and social media.

“The situation worsens during this social media and high-tech era when at the same time it exposes the legislative and Speakers to many more confusion and cynicism.

“Biased news and information will create great frustration of the society towards the legislative system.” He said during his welcoming address at the opening ceremony of the 23^rd Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth.

Despite the challenges faced by the Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, Pandikar believes they always uphold the security, freedom and prosperity of their nations.