Higher fines on errant MPs are not enough

On Aug 19, Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul said the Parliament was pushing to increase the maximum fine against errant MPs from RM1,000 to RM10,000.

He also said the fines would be imposed on MPs who make “unparliamentary remarks” and engage in “unparliamentary actions.”

“We are moving so that this act shall be implemented, and to make sure that every MP contributes to the betterment of the nation,” Johari was reported as saying.

Now, while I agree that unruly MPs should be penalised for their uncouth behaviour, I disagree that an RM10,000 fine will teach them a lesson in becoming more civil in their conduct.

Why, you may ask? Well, just look at the lavish lifestyle most of our MPs live. For career politicians, RM10,000 is probably just pocket money for them to throw around, to begin with.

So, how do we go about addressing this problem? Perhaps, I can offer a few solutions.

First up, I think we should ensure only qualified people become MPs. It’s ridiculous that one can become an elected representative by just turning 18, having the power to decide the country’s future.

I would suggest the government conduct an exam on all those aspiring to become elected leaders, be it state assemblypersons or MPs.

On what they should be tested for; it can range from language fluency (Malay and English), mathematics, and general knowledge.

But most importantly, the exam must test these people on their knowledge of the Federal Constitution. This is important because these people will be drafting and repealing laws.

Not only would this test ensure knowledgeable people become our elected leaders, but it may help prevent “warlords” from becoming MPs.

Three strikes and you’re out

As for dealing with errant MPs, perhaps we can go with a “third strike and you’re out” system. Let me explain.

For first-time offenders, we can impose a fine but in my view, the RM10,000 threshold is too low. Let’s hike it up to somewhere between RM50,000 and RM100,000.

For second-time offenders, we should not only suspend them from Parliament, for a year or two, but also revoke all perks and privileges attached to their positions.

And when they misbehave for the third time, we should enact a law to bar them from becoming elected leaders for a certain period of time - five to 10 years.

Why so harsh, you ask? Well, I think we should hold our elected leaders to higher standards. They are paid using taxpayers’ money and decide on the country’s future. Don’t you think we deserve better?

Even when we are hiring staff for businesses, we require them to have relevant paper qualifications and experience in order to hire them. So, shouldn’t we place higher standards on our assemblypersons and MPs?

Yes, the measures above may disqualify many from becoming our elected leaders but over time, you will find those coming in are of better intelligence and of course, behaving more professionally.

Political will

To implement these tough measures, the government needs to be firm and resolute as the suggestions may even affect backbenchers.

But in the long run, the people will have better leaders and political parties will also have no choice but to offer the best to the voters.

So does the Anwar Ibrahim administration have the political will to implement such measures? I doubt it.

Go home folks, nothing to see here. Just same old, same old. - Mkini

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G VINOD is a member of the Malaysiakini team.