“We are elected MPs. Do not disappoint the constituents and bring shame to the province you represent by showing your inadequacies. Being an elected MPs is so meaningful. It’s a lifetime pride that you were elected by the whole nation, an opportunity that is not easy to come by.”

– House Speaker Chuan Leekpai, 81, in a welcome address to 500 new MPs. He warned them to behave well and not to abuse their privileges, claiming he has received reports that some MPs still owe for their plane fares. Some are deep in debt. Some have ditched official meetings and gone shopping when aboard. Some dressed inappropriately.