LOW attendance among several MPs has raised concerns over representation in the Dewan Rakyat, with some lawmakers defending their limited presence by pointing to demanding state and federal responsibilities.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing dismissed criticism of his attendance record, saying he remains in Parliament even when he is not seen in the chamber.
“I want to state very clearly that when Parliament is sitting, I am here. If there is nothing urgent elsewhere, I work from my office in Parliament.
“Every minister’s room has a television, so we can follow the proceedings live. If anything comes up, I go down. If there is a question-and-answer session involving my ministry, I enter the Dewan. Every time there is a winding-up, I answer personally,” he told The Star.
Tiong, who attended 90 out of 225 meeting days, said his ministry is under pressure to deliver for the economy, noting tourism’s significant contribution last year.
“Our ministry is doing its best to help the country reduce its deficit,” Tiong said, adding that much of his time is now spent preparing for Visit Malaysia 2026.
Putatan MP Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who attended 102 out of 225 days, attributed his low attendance to his previous posts as Sabah deputy chief minister and state works minister.
“My low attendance was due to the demanding schedules and duties of those roles,” he said.
Now that he no longer holds the state portfolios, Shahelmey expects to be more present in Parliament.
He added that despite his lower attendance, he continued raising constituency issues.
The Star had reached out to several other MPs with low attendance records and is awaiting their replies.
A new analysis by Calmic’s Malaysian MP Dashboard shows several high-profile MPs ranking among those with the lowest attendance in the Dewan Rakyat, with Marang MP Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang topping the list at just 29.8% (67 days).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein followed with 68 and 82 days respectively.
Many others on the low-attendance list are Cabinet members or state leaders juggling dual roles.
Notably, even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with a 47.6% attendance rate, still logged more days in the House than many on the list, clocking 107 days.
In contrast, 14 MPs achieved perfect attendance, even as lawmakers collectively received over RM322mil in salaries and allowances since taking office.
