Backbenchers support RM10k fine for 'unparliamentary behaviour'

 

As Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul continues to defend his proposal to increase the maximum fine for MPs over unparliamentary behaviour from RM1,000 to RM10,000, several backbencher MPs have voiced their support for the former’s suggestion.

Selayang MP William Leong, Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii, and Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid said they support all efforts to uphold the dignity and decorum of the Dewan Rakyat.

“I think it is reasonable to bring up to date the amount of the fines to reflect the importance of maintaining the dignity of the House.

“Let’s put a stop to the unruly behaviour that has spoiled the image of Parliament,” Leong told Malaysiakini.

Yii said there is a need to strengthen the decorum in the Dewan Rakyat to enhance the quality and put the focus back on the debates by parliamentarians.

As such, he said he supports the move to increase the fine.

Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii

“However, the definition of ‘uncouth remarks’ needs to be defined and the bipartisan parliamentary rights and privileges committee must be empowered to carry out transparent and unbiased decisions in the event an MP is referred to them due to these uncouth remarks,” he said.

‘Colourful’ MPs

Syerleena agreed that there is a need to improve the quality of the debates in the House, and hopes the increased fines will act as a deterrent for unparliamentary behaviour from lawmakers.

While she acknowledged that some may see it as a drastic measure, such methods can be effective in ensuring compliance.

“We can’t deny that there are a few MPs who have a tendency to express themselves in a rather ‘colourful’ manner; they may do this for ratings but this type of behaviour does very little towards policy-making and healthy debates.

“These added proposals should be seen as positive measures that can safeguard the institution as well as build a respectful environment where everyone can express their opinions without descending into name-calling or derogatory language.

“It will certainly make some political leaders think twice before uttering bigoted and silly remarks in Parliament,” she said.

Parliamentary Select Committees also can play a huge role in ensuring the productivity and effectiveness of debates while bipartisan collaboration through committees can foster a more cooperative atmosphere, she added.

Meanwhile, Pendang MP Awang Hashim merely said the increase in fine was “too much” when contacted by Malaysiakini.

Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul

Johari previously said Parliament is pushing to increase the maximum fine tenfold from RM1,000 to RM10,000 for parliamentarians who violate stipulated rules.

Following some pushback, Johari defended the proposal as reasonable and said the increased fines would not unduly burden MPs who receive up to RM25,000 in allowances and remuneration each month. - Mkini