Former higher education minister Dr Shafie Salleh (BN-Kuala Langat), recently appointed National Chief Scout, enthusiastically rooted for the movement in his opening speech as a backbencher at the Dewan Rakyat today and found that many others shared his fondness for the movement.

Shafie, who was dropped during the Feb 14 cabinet reshuffle was a surprise speaker during the debate on the motion to thank the royal address. His speech topic was equally surprising.

Clad in a black suit and a red tie, Shafie was greeted by backbenchers thumping their table to welcome him after Deputy Speaker Dr Yusof Yacob announced it was the Kuala Langat's MP turn to speak.

Welcoming eight leaders from the Scouts Association of Malaysia who were present, Shafie told the House that he had been appointed National Chief Scout by the King early this year.

Saying he would like to be a role model for fellow Scouts, the ex-minister suddenly raised his right hand, lifting three fingers in Scout's honours and spent a few minutes to read out the Scout's oath to serve the community and the people.

This prompted the Deputy Speaker Dr Yusof Yacob to ask him: "It looks like you don't want to cross over to the front bench anymore".

Shafie smiled and responded: "Insyallah (God's willing), I will (come back) one day."

Shafie's speech subsequently led to the 'discovery' that a number of backbenchers were also ex-Scouts. They freely interjected Shafie's speech and spoke with interest on the issue.

Before ending his speech, Shafie encouraged youth to join the Scouting movement and expressed hope all state chief ministers would attend future King Scouts award ceremonies.