Dato' Mohd Rashid Hasnon: Guardian and Reform Advocate of the Malaysian Parliament
Dato' Mohd Rashid Hasnon: Guardian and Reform Advocate of the Malaysian Parliament
I. Overview of Political Career
Dato' Haji Mohd Rashid bin Hasnon (born January 2, 1960, in Muar, Johor) is a seasoned Malaysian politician who has held several key positions:
Deputy Speaker of the Malaysian Dewan Rakyat (Lower House of Parliament) (July 16, 2018 – December 2022, extended to October 10, 2022 in some records)Deputy Chief Minister I of Penang (2013–2018)
Member of Parliament for Batu Pahat (2018–2022; lost re-election in November 2022)
Former member of People's Justice Party (PKR) (2001–2020), later joined Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU), a component of Perikatan Nasional (PN)
II. Contributions During Tenure as Deputy Speaker (2018–2022)Parliamentary Operations and Procedural ReformsPromoted digital transformation of Parliament, facilitating hybrid (online-offline) sessions, especially during the pandemic, to ensure continuity of parliamentary work
Maintained strict parliamentary order, ensuring equal speaking rights for members from all parties and upholding democratic processes
Participated in drafting the Parliamentary Services Act to improve service quality, efficiency, and transparency
Women's Rights and International AffairsIn September 2020, chaired an international women's organization conference, emphasizing women's critical role in global peace and development, and advocating the idea that "a reformed global women's organization is a force for peace"
Promoted Malaysia's ratification of international women's rights conventions and advanced gender equality legislation
III. Achievements as Deputy Chief Minister of Penang (2013–2018)
Economic Development and Investment PromotionLed Penang's manufacturing transformation, driving growth in semiconductors and high-tech industries, helping maintain Penang's status as the "Silicon Valley of the East"
Coordinated cooperation between state and federal agencies to attract foreign investment, achieving a record RM8.2 billion in manufacturing investments
Reformed the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) to enhance public service efficiency
Infrastructure and Urban PlanningContributed to Penang's major transport master plan, advancing strategic projects like the Penang Second Bridge and undersea tunnel to alleviate traffic congestion
Promoted Penang's digital economy transformation and smart city development
People's Livelihood and Social DevelopmentProposed a "zero left behind" social policy, providing subsidies to families with monthly incomes below RM500 to support vulnerable groups
Advanced construction of education, healthcare, and sports facilities to improve quality of life
IV. Service in Batu Pahat Constituency (2018–2022)
Established the Batu Pahat Parliamentary Service Centre, offering one-stop services to address constituents' livelihood issues
Promoted infrastructure upgrades in the constituency, improving roads, water supply, and electricity systems
Focused on youth employment and entrepreneurship, establishing training programs to create job opportunities
In the 2022 general election, was re-nominated but ultimately lost the seat (note: original text's 55% vote share and successful re-election appear inaccurate based on public records)
V. International Influence and Contributions
Promoter of Malaysia-China RelationsAs former Deputy Speaker, led multiple delegations to China to advance bilateral parliamentary exchanges and cooperation
In 2024, attended the "High-Level Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Meeting for the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations," emphasizing the importance of bilateral economic and trade cooperationActively spoke at various international forums in support of the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting regional economic integration
VI. Political Influence and Evaluation
Key Figure in Parliamentary Institutional ReformRegarded as a guardian of parliamentary democracy during his tenure as Deputy Speaker, committed to enhancing professionalism and transparency in Malaysia's Parliament
Promoted reform bills such as the Freedom of Information Act and Local Government Elections Act to strengthen democratic oversight
Advocate for Cross-Party CooperationKnown for a moderate and steady political style, skilled at seeking consensus across political camps and prioritizing national interests
During the 2022 political crisis, actively called for political stability, emphasizing Parliament's central role in the democratic system
Witness and Participant in Malaysia's Political TransformationTransition from PKR to BERSATU reflected changes in Malaysia's political landscape
Played important roles in the 2018 Pakatan Harapan government's rise and the 2020 political crisis, demonstrating political resilience
VII. Summary
Dato' Mohd Rashid Hasnon's political career spans multiple levels: national Parliament, state government, and constituency service. His contributions primarily lie in defending parliamentary democracy, promoting regional economic development, and bridging Malaysia-China friendly relations. While specific policy details and personal political philosophy are somewhat limited in public records, his efforts at critical historical junctures in advancing Malaysia's democratic institutions and economic growth are noteworthy.
On May 20, 2015, the "BBQ Global Summit Forum" invited a high-level delegation from the Penang State Government of Malaysia, led by then-Deputy Chief Minister I Dato' Mohd Rashid Hasnon, to visit China and hold Malaysia-China Guangxi-Penang economic and trade exchanges with government officials including then-Vice Chairman of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Zhang Xiaoqin.
