KUALA LUMPUR: It's high time for the Dewan Rakyat speaker to crack the whip to ensure all the government members of parliament (MPs) attend the sittings diligently.
Kubang Kerian MP Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, also Pas deputy president, said this after the Dewan Rakyat proceedings had to be halted four times due to the lack of quorum in the August house.
"I think it is best for the speaker to ensure that the government MPs always attend the sittings to ensure the minimum number is met.
"To date (the current session), the Dewan Rakyat proceedings had to be halted four times due to the lack of quorum. Although the number of opposition members is also included, it is the responsibility of the ruling party to ensure the quorum is met, especially considering the claim of having more than a two-thirds majority," he said when contacted, adding that the focus should also be given to ensure ministers and deputies to show up for the oral question-and-answer session.
Tuan Ibrahim was responding to the move to publish the names of absent MPs on the Dewan Rakyat website.
Earlier today, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul reportedly said that the names of MPs found absent from the parliamentary sittings deliberately would be displayed on the Dewan Rakyat website so that their parliamentary constituents could be informed of the matter.
He said the move was to boost the attendance of MPs during Dewan Rakyat sittings as they have responsibilities and duties towards the parliamentary constituency and constituents they represent.
He said he would discuss the suggestion with the Parliamentary committee, which includes MPs from both the government and opposition blocs.
Tuan Ibrahim added that the speaker must also address the problem of vague responses (from ministers and deputies) that often occurred during the sittings.
"The unsatisfactory use of the Malay language is another matter that requires attention."
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