'MP absenteeism demands urgent attention' - Speaker

SHAH ALAM - Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has said that he will discuss measures to address the issue of absenteeism among MPs, as it has become a serious concern for the public and netizens.

Johari said that the Parliament sitting, which is aired live on social media, has made it easier for the public to see whether their representatives are present or not.

"This issue is serious, and many people have asked me why MPs would not attend Parliament sittings.

"There is no power that I have unless they are absent for six months, then action can be taken.

"What we can do is discuss this in the Dewan Rakyat Committee and some of the suggestions that have been made include displaying the names of absent MPs," he told Sinar when contacted.

Johari added that MPs who are absent from Parliament sittings usually have their own reasons, such as being overseas, attending meetings outside of Parliament, or being in Parliament but having to attend committee meetings.

However, he stressed that the focus is on MPs who are completely absent.

Johari also said that he will discuss with the Dewan Rakyat Committee the possibility of asking party leaders to control the attendance of MPs.

"Currently, there are MPs who are completely absent without informing me.

"That's why we must look back on how to control them to perform their duties.

"We will bring these suggestions to the committee to be discussed.

"If we don't, the public will continue to be outraged and netizens will continue to complain and ask us to take action," he said.