Three MPs absent from Parliament sitting have valid reasons, says speaker

Three parliamentarians from Sarawak were absent from the Dewan Rakyat sitting today with a valid reason and no disciplinary action will be taken against them, according to Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohd Ariff Md Yusof.

They were Kota Samarahan MP Rubiah Wang (GPS) and Sarikei MP Andrew Wong (DAP), who were infected with Covid-19 but now under quarantine.

Malaysiakini understands that the two MPs have undergone separate testing in the quarantine centre. While their results came out negative, they were still being held at the centre.

Wang was among the Sarawak politicians, including state Assistant Minister of Transport Jerip Susil who tested positive for Covid-19 after attending a state meeting on March 27.

On March 15, Wong was reportedly down with Covid-19.

The third MP who could not attend the one-day sitting was Miri MP Dr Michael Teo (PKR), said Ariff.

"Both Sarikei and Kota Samarahan are still in isolation. Miri MP is unwell, but not related to Covid-19," said Ariff.

As such, he said the House would not take disciplinary action against them.

Perikatan Nasional (PN) had shortened the Dewan Rakyat sitting to only one day citing Covid-19 pandemic.

Last Wednesday, Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Mohd Rashid Hasnon reminded that action could be taken against those who fail to attend the one-day sitting today.

He was reported to have said the sitting was important as it has been put on hold for six months and that there should not be any reason for the MPs to be absent unless they have solid written justification such as health problems.

“If they fail to attend, it may affect their status as an MP,” Rashid had said. - Mkini