Only about 25% of MPs have had mandatory health checks, says Speaker

KUALA LUMPUR: Only 54 out of 222 Members of Parliament have undergone mandatory health checks, according to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

"As of Oct 2, only 54 MPs, two Senators and two administrative officers have undergone the mandatory health checks.

"This is a very low number.

"I urge MPs to do their medical check-ups with the Parliament doctor as the deadline is Oct 31," he said before the start of proceedings in Parliament on Monday (Oct 9).

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Last month, Johari announced that all MPs had to undergo a mandatory health examination as a precautionary measure.

Johari told lawmakers he had witnessed 11 MPs collapsing while in the House over the past 15 years.

Since the 2018 general election, four MPs have died, mostly from heart attacks.

Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) asked why there was a need to get a medical check-up at Parliament when most MPs already did their health checks at the National Heart Institute (IJN) or Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL).

"Why force us... when we already have health records with IJN and HKL?" Kiandee asked.

Johari said he had previously made it clear that MPs could undergo their health examination either with the Parliament doctor or at medical facilities, government as well as private.

He added that it was important for Parliament to keep a copy of MPs' medical records in the event of any untoward incident.

"If Yang Berhormat has done a medical check anywhere, be it through a government or private facility, please bring the report and pass it to our officers so that Parliament will have a record for safe keeping.

"That is all I ask because if anything happens to you, I will be responsible for saving your life," Johari said.