Parliament's Standing Orders Committee to handle absent MPs issue, says Speaker

KUALA LUMPUR: Any proposal to name MPs who are absent from Parliament proceedings will be brought to the Standing Orders Committee before a decision is made, says Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) had asked Johari to define absenteeism and explain news reports that absent MPs' names would be shamed by revealing who they are.

"The word 'shaming' is wrong. I never intended to 'shame' them. MPs have other commitments and it is not necessary for them to be here (at all times)," said Johari.

During the committee stage debate of the Budget 2024, Kiandee asked Johari to explain whether the proposal to penalise absent MP's included the executive, backbenchers and Opposition bench.

He said some MPs may attend briefly and leave but their attendance will still be counted.

Kiandee said current rules had already taken into account these factors when it comes to quorum and attendance.

"You want to see 222 MPs here? It will never happen. I agree that MPs must attend but I feel shaming is not the way to uphold Parliament's dignity," he said.

Johari had proposed that the names of MPs who had been absent from Parliamentary sittings would be displayed on the Dewan Rakyat website.

This, he said, would allow their respective constituents to be aware of the matter.

Johari said this was among measures being taken to boost the attendance of MPs.

Proceedings have been temporarily halted three times since March due to a lack of quorum in the House.