Array
(
    [_edit_lock] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1696813889:20
        )

    [tdc_dirty_content] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [tdc_icon_fonts] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:0:{}
        )

    [post_views_count] => Array
        (
            [0] => 258
        )

    [_thumbnail_id] => Array
        (
            [0] => 122330
        )

    [_edit_last] => Array
        (
            [0] => 20
        )

    [_post_language] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [_molongui_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-100073
        )

    [_molongui_main_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-100073
        )

    [td_post_theme_settings] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:1:{s:11:"td_subtitle";s:118:"Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye argues that their absence undermines democratic process, denies citizens' right to representation";}
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_primary_category] => Array
        (
            [0] => 599
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_metadesc] => Array
        (
            [0] => The frequent absence of MPs during Dewan Rakyat sittings undermines the democratic process and deprives the people of their right to have their voices heard, said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_content_score] => Array
        (
            [0] => 30
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes] => Array
        (
            [0] => 2
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_wordproof_timestamp] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_arr] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:7:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:1;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:2;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:3;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:4;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:5;a:3:{s:4:"date";s:10:"1750477078";s:5:"count";i:1;s:14:"per_hour_count";a:1:{i:3;i:1;}}i:6;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}}
        )

    [post_view_7days_last_day] => Array
        (
            [0] => 5
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_last_date] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1750477078
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_total] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [post_views_last_24_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [post_views_last_48_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

)
Former parliamentarian pushes for consequences for MPs skipping Parliament | Scoop
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye believes the use of report cards is vital to track not only MPs' attendance but also their contributions, such as raising questions and addressing issues. – Lee Lam Thye Facebook pic, October 9, 2023
News

Former parliamentarian pushes for consequences for MPs skipping Parliament

Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye argues that their absence undermines democratic process, denies citizens' right to representation

Borneo Post Online
Updated
9:11 AM MYT

 

KUCHING – The frequent absence of MPs during Dewan Rakyat sittings undermines the democratic process and deprives the people of their right to have their voices heard, said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The former parliamentarian, who is now a social activist, also spoke about the voters’ right to know if they had elected the right representatives and about the MPs being duty-bound to attend Parliament sessions and carry out their legislative responsibilities.

“Report cards are needed not only to show their (MPs) attendance, but also to determine how many times they have raised questions and issues,” he said in a statement, adding that it is common knowledge that some MPs will be present in Parliament only when their questions are scheduled to come up.

“Soon after that, they leave the Dewan Rakyat and sit at the canteen. Many a time, the parliamentary whips have to go to the canteen and urge the MPs to come back to the session to ensure that the quorum is met to pass a bill.”

He said regular attendance by MPs would facilitate more effective governance and a better decision-making process.

“If they (MPs) consistently skip the sessions, the constituents have the right to know so that they will not waste their votes in the next elections. 

“They (voters) have the right to know and question their elected representatives who fail to attend Parliament sessions without justifiable reasons.

“It stands to reason for the rules and regulations to be amended to address this situation.”

It was recently reported that Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul was looking into ways to improve the attendance of MPs, including cutting off their allowance if they continue to be absent during Parliament sessions.

On this, Lee remarked: “The sooner this is done, the better it is for the people and for the nation.” – October 9, 2023

Topics

 

◉ Popular

A man with fire in his belly: Jagdeep remembers his father Karpal’s strength in the face of disability

Despite paralysis from a tragic accident, the DAP stalwart remained a fearless fighter—his legacy now upheld by his son

Daim’s lawyers slam police for ‘failing’ to probe PM over Bloomberg’s power abuse claims

Counsel for former finance minister question why news agency and reporters are being probed instead

Pendirian AGC konsisten, RUU GEG tidak berperlembagaan

Jabatan Peguam Negara secara konsisten berpandangan bahawa Rang Undang-Undang Kawalan Produk Merokok Demi Kesihatan Awam 2023 atau RUU Generasi Penamat (GEG) adalah tidak berperlembagaan (unconstitutional).

◉ Related

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.