WONG: MPs MUST EXPLAIN THEIR ABSENCE FROM HOUSE
Subang lawmaker laments abysmal turn-up rate of 20 per cent on average
AGOVERNMENT backbencher has called for Parliament to publish the daily attendance of members of parliament (MP), in response to the lack of quorum in the august house.
Subang MP Wong Chen said his colleagues should voluntarily declare their annual attendance rate, adding that these steps would “cure” absenteeism, or the tak apa (indifference) attitude.
“There is no greater cure to tak apa and sluggishness than some transparency.
“Let the absent MPs explain why they couldn’t be there,” he said yesterday.
He said based on his personal observations over the last six years as an MP, the Dewan Rakyat only filled up close to 99 per cent on the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong’s annual speech day and during the tabling of the yearly budget.
On important Parliament legislative votes, Wong said the Dewan Rakyat attendance was between 70 and 90 per cent.
“A typical daily attendance rate for an ordinary day is around 20 to 30 per cent.
“At 10am when parliamentary proceedings start, the attendance rate is around 15 to 20 per cent.”
He pointed out that the lowest attendance rate at below 15 per cent would be after 3pm on Thursdays, where MPs from faraway constituencies leave to catch their flights to their home base.
Parliament’s Standing Order 13 states that a minimum quorum of 26 MPs, or 12 per cent from the total of 222, is required to allow proceedings to be held.
On Thursday, proceedings had to be halted for a minute when the minimum number was not met while MPs were debating on the 2020 Budget.
Opposition chief whip Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri described it as an “unfortunate incident” and that the “trend” began since Monday, the week after the budget was tabled.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Rais Hussin had, on Tuesday, lamented the “abysmal” attendance rate of MPs in the Dewan Rakyat sitting.
Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin had also shared on Instagram an image of a seemingly empty Dewan Rakyat.
Wong said it was everyone’s responsibility to ensure the quorum was met, adding that the cabinet had to lead the way.
“With 55 ministers and deputy ministers, they should at least meet the minimum 12 per cent attendance rate themselves when at least seven ministers or deputy ministers are in attendance at all times in Parliament.
“The remaining attendees can be topped up by the other MPs, supplying the balance 19 attendees to meet the minimal 26 quorum.”
He said there was also the matter of MPs attending committee meetings in the Parliament building, such as the Public Accounts Committee hearings.
“Due to the busy lives of MPs, we can’t expect full attendance, but their overall attendance should not fall below 70 per cent.”