INDEED, it is high “Time for MPs’ voting records to be made public” (Star Says, April 14; online at bit.ly/star_vote). Given the majority of Malaysians voted in a new administration based on the desire for greater transparency and accountability, this would improve feedback on MPs’ time spent in Parliament and their abilities to make a difference to the workings of Parliament.
If MPs are to work for the benefit of their constituents, voting records help voters determine the effectiveness of MPs’ political pledges. Voting records also help to show the effectiveness of the government’s ability to carry out its promises as well as the strength of the checks and balances provided by the Opposition – a strong Opposition is the hallmark of a maturing democracy, after all.
