Speaker weighs allowance cut to combat MP absenteeism

 

Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul is considering docking the allowance of MPs who fail to attend Parliament sessions.

This could deter absenteeism, he said, highlighting that there have been calls to amend the Parliament Standing Order to facilitate the implementation of these measures.

“If you don’t come for a certain amount of hours a day, you don’t get an allowance for that day. I think that is a good idea.

“They must spend a certain amount of time in the House before they are entitled to the daily allowance.

“Sometimes they come for five minutes, they go out and never come back,” Johari (above) said in an interview with The Star.

He added that this will be presented to the House Committee, which the speaker presides over and includes representatives from diverse political affiliations.

MPs receive an allowance of RM400 for attending sessions in Parliament.

As per Parliament Standing Order 13, a minimum of 26 MPs in the 222-seat Dewan is required to convene proceedings.

Based on the attendance record in the Hansard for the first Dewan Rakyat meeting of the year, 97 MPs achieved a flawless attendance record, the majority of whom were PN lawmakers.

Disservice to constituents

Johari lamented his lack of authority to penalise such behaviour.

Noting instances of prolonged MP absences, the speaker said that it was unfair to constituents as lawmakers are meant to attend sessions to address their constituency’s concerns.

He pointed out that social media has seen a surge in netizens expressing their concerns regarding the frequent absenteeism of MPs.

“They have been saying how come our MPs are absent for no reason, especially during Prime Minister’s Question Time on Tuesdays. That is when Parliament should have a full house because the prime minister is there.

“The prime minister is willing to answer questions. And on Thursdays, you have Minister’s Question Time. This is when MPs should take advantage by attending (Parliament).

“It is embarrassing to raise this issue because I think they are mature enough to know their responsibilities,” Johari added.

The Anwar Ibrahim administration introduced the Prime Minister’s Question Time during the inaugural gathering of the 15th Parliament in February. - Mkini