It’s embarrassing, civil group says of MPs playing truant in Dewan

 

The activists want an apology from the absent MPs and urge political parties to ensure at least 50% of their elected reps are present during sittings. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: A group of pro-democracy activists today reprimanded several MPs over their absence yesterday at a parliamentary sitting.

This comes following reports that 201 MPs, or 91% of the total MPs, were absent during yesterday’s afternoon sitting.

In a statement, Seed Community for a Professional Parliament (SEED), said the MPs’ irresponsible action had caused the sitting to be delayed as the number of MPs present did not meet the quorum set, which is 26 MPs.

“We condemn this embarrassing incident of MPs skipping the session. This can be considered as insulting the House as well as tarnishing their own image as elected representatives.

“This reflects the lack of seriousness on the part of MPs carrying out their responsibilities,” the group said.

SEED comprises the electoral reform group Bersih 2.0, ENGAGE, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), Bait Al-Amanah, and the Institute for Political Reform and Democracy (REFORM).

The group urged each party’s whip to apologise publicly to the people for their members’ absence.

Further, the group urged party leaders to ensure there would be coordination between parties to guarantee the attendance of at least 50% of party members at any one time during sittings and ensure the attendance met the quorum set by the House. - FMT