RM10,000 fine being considered for MPs who utter uncouth remarks in Parliament, says Speaker

KUALA LUMPUR: A maximum fine of up to RM10,000 could be slapped on MPs who resort to uncouth remarks during parliamentary sittings, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

The proposed increase from the initial RM1,000 fine, said Johari, is part of the mooted Parliamentary reforms to improve proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat.

“We are pushing for a maximum fine of RM10,000 or you are out of the House,” said Johari during the Parliament Lecture Series held in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday (Aug 18) night.

Presently, MPs who uttered racist, sexist, or derogatory remarks in Parliament face a fine of up to RM1,000, including suspensions.

However, the RM1,000 fine was never applied despite being introduced decades ago.

According to Johari, the proposed increase in fines for uncouth MPs will be part of upcoming amendments to the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952.

“This act will be implemented and it will ensure all MPs contribute to the betterment of the nation by pushing away unparliamentary actions and words during sittings,” said Johari.

“I hope we will have a better session in the coming session (in October),” added Johari.

Johari also said he hoped that the Parliamentary Services Act, repealed in 1992, will be reintroduced to the August House.

The Parliamentary Services Act was first enacted in 1963, just a few months before the formation of Malaysia.

It allowed Parliament to act as a truly independent body, running its own affairs, selecting its staff and controlling its expenditure.

Johari was speaking at the forum that also featured Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof.

Meanwhile, Mohamad Ariff, who spoke later, said misbehaving MPs should have their allowances revoked if they are suspended from the August House.

Mohamad Ariff also stressed that suspensions from Parliament should be more than two days.

“About 10 days of suspension should be given. Nearly two weeks of no allowances can come across as a lot,” said Mohamad Ariff.

“I don’t believe one or two days of suspension would do the trick. It’s been proven time and time again that these MPs come back and we have a repeat of the drama,” added Mohamad Ariff.

Mohamad Ariff stressed that parliamentary reforms must come in tandem with efforts to reform parliamentary culture.

“Despite the best efforts of the Speaker and his deputies, I observe that ruffian antics are still evident in the House,” added Mohamad Ariff.

The Parliament will meet next for 32 days from Oct 9 to Nov 30.