KUALA LUMPUR: Any decision to display the names of members of parliament (MP) found absent from parliamentary sittings will be finalised by the Parliamentary Standing Order Committee, heard the Dewan Rakyat, today.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said the proposal put forth by him was not yet finalised as it was not necessary for all MPs to be present for parliamentary sittings daily, following other duties they have.
"First of all, the word 'shaming' (aimed at the issue) is wrong, I never intend to shame (any MPs with the proposal).
"Secondly, the MPs have other commitments, hence, it is not necessary for them to attend and be here (all the time), hence, please read the report thoroughly.
"Any decisions made will also be presented to the Parliamentary Standing Order Committee. I am very clear about this and I do not mean to shame any of you (the MPs)," he said.
Johari said this in response to Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) who inquired about the issue and stated that it was unfair for Johari to put forth such a proposal to 'shame' the MPs.
Kiandee added that there were also no details pertaining to the proposal that mentions whether the proposal will only involve certain parties, such as the executive, government backbenchers and opposition.
"If we look at the attendance, there should be no segregation of MPs, whether among the executive, backbenchers and the opposition.
"In this matter, the proposal must also be discussed in detail and it cannot be done privately by the Speaker.
"(And) if we look at Standing Order 13, the issue of attendance and quorum is not that rigid and has been addressed (in the parliamentary rules).
"This is why we have the standing order as no 222 MPs can attend the session daily nor (is there) any minister that can attend every time."
On Nov 4, Johari 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 would 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.
Johari said he would discuss the suggestion with the Parliamentary committee, which includes MPs from both the government and opposition blocs.