Absent MPs risk losing allowances under new act, Johari says

Lawmakers who fail to attend Dewan Rakyat sessions for a certain period risk losing their allowances once the Parliamentary Services Act (PSA) comes into effect.

Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul said attendance requirements for MPs are clearly stipulated in the law, noting that those who are absent for six consecutive months without a valid reason may lose their seats.

However, so far, no MPs have lost their seats due to this reason, he said.

“Nonetheless, I must reiterate that MPs are elected by the people to attend Parliament. So, I am suggesting that MPs who fail to attend Parliament sittings for a certain period lose their allowances.

“We are just waiting for the PSA to come out. It may have received cabinet clearance. It may be tabled during the end of the third Parliament sitting,” he said during a press conference after visiting the Penang legislative assembly in George Town today.

Also present was Penang assembly speaker Law Choo Kiang.

Johari said since assuming the role of Dewan Rakyat speaker, he has implemented numerous reforms in Parliament and will continue to do so to enhance government checks and balances.

Among them are strengthening the Parliamentary Special Select Committees (PSSC) and allowing the tabling and debate of reports from Suhakam and the auditor-general in the Dewan Rakyat.

- Bernama