Cut allowance, name and shame absent MPs, says Rais

KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran politician Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim has called for the allowances of parliamentarians who miss the Dewan Rakyat sitting to be cut.

He also called for errant members of parliament who miss Parliament sessions to be “named and shamed”.

“The best way to overcome the issue is to cut the monthly allowance of members of parliament based on a decided rate.

“Secondly, publish the names of those who are too lazy to attend the sessions in newspapers or social media,” he tweeted.

Rais was commenting on an incident where the Dewan Rakyat sitting had to be halted as there were not enough members of parliament in the hall.

Pulai member of parliament and Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Salahuddin Ayub said members of parliament should be given some time before action was taken.

“After two years or so, only then can we tell who is truant, and who attends only to nod their heads and receive an allowance.

“They should be given a chance to explain themselves.”

Salahuddin’s deputy, Sim Tze Tzin, who is Bayan Baru member of parliament, said he was held back by a Pakatan Harapan backbenchers meeting.

“When the first bell rang, many like me (who was in the restroom) were on the way to the sitting.

“I came out by the second ring and saw about 40 people going inside. So by the second ring, there was no issue of no quorum,” he said.

Sungai Petani member of parliament Datuk Johari Abdul said the backbenchers were in a meeting and most made it into the hall after the second bell was rang.

He said some were also attending the funeral of late Balakong assemblyman Eddie Ng.

Rembau member of parliament Khairy Jamaluddin said: “Unfortunately, I was not around, but I think we should be a bit more mindful.”

Beaufort member of parliament Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said: “I was at the lounge. I went in after the second bell. I didn’t realise that they didn’t have enough quorum until the second bell.”