DEWAN Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Johari Abdul recently summed up the state of our Parliament in stark terms – saying that today’s MPs fall into three categories: the good, the bad, and, quite alarmingly, the worst.
In what can only be described as a mix of frustration and candour, he laid it out plainly: “The good MPs are those who give all kinds of ideas that are solid and practical (in the Dewan Rakyat). The bad ones are those who complain. They object to anything we say.”
And then, of course, there’s the third category – which, as he hinted, is even more worrying.
“But the worst MPs are those who don’t come to Parliament. They’re not always around, but outside, they depict themselves as leaders.
“They don’t go to Parliament but make lots of noise outside, issuing all kinds of funny statements that, in the end, risk threatening the nation’s harmony,” he lamented.
He made the startling remarks while officiating at the first anniversary celebration of the Public Relations Practitioners Society of Malaysia in Petaling Jaya.
He then called on MPs, who are outspoken on various issues, to raise those matters during parliamentary proceedings instead of voicing them outside Parliament.
Johari pointed out that MPs, who failed to attend proceedings, are neglecting their responsibility to represent their constituents and, at times, end up making statements that mislead the public.
The Speaker did not name any MP in particular. However, as reported by a national news portal, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, the Marang MP, is said to have one of the lowest attendance records for Dewan Rakyat proceedings.
This revelation is both shocking and unbecoming. I strongly believe that such absenteeism is not confined to Parliament alone but is also evident in some State Legislative Assemblies.
As elected representatives – be they Members of Parliament or state assemblymen – they have a responsibility to attend all proceedings to the fullest extent possible. Attending sittings of Parliament or the State Legislative Assembly is not merely a responsibility – it is a compulsory obligation rooted in the trust given by the rakyat.
Otherwise, how else can they effectively voice the concerns of their constituents and safeguard the interests of the constituencies they represent?
They were elected by the people to serve as the voice and representative of their respective constituents – a role they cannot fulfil by being absent.
The government must not take the issue lightly. Chronic absenteeism among elected representatives undermines not only the democratic process but also public trust in the entire institution of Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly.
It undeniably sends the wrong signal to the people – that those entrusted to lead are shirking their duties with impunity.
Frankly, such absenteeism amounts not only to a gross injustice to the very people they were elected to serve but also reflects a troubling lack of commitment and a blatant disregard for the democratic mandate entrusted to them.
No amount of noise made outside Parliament, or the State Legislative Assembly, can ever match the impact of actively participating in debates and decision-making within the chambers.
This issue must not be left unchecked. The government must act swiftly and decisively to address it before it escalates further and erodes public confidence in our democratic institutions.
Several measures must be implemented to ensure our elected representatives do not treat their responsibilities as matters of personal convenience or act according to their whims and fancies.
Much like the rules that ensure order and accountability in any workplace, it’s time for the government to take the enforcement of attendance among our elected representatives seriously.
It’s only reasonable to expect MPs and assemblymen to show up for the job they were elected – and paid – to do. Perhaps, one way to start is by updating the rules to include a clear minimum attendance requirement, so skipping sittings without good reason isn’t seen as normal or acceptable.
I strongly believe that if an elected representative repeatedly fails to show up without a valid reason, then it’s only fair that they face consequences – whether that means having their allowances docked, being suspended from sittings, or even being called out publicly.
Ordinary people in regular jobs are held accountable when they don’t turn up. Why should it be any different for those in public office?
After all, transparency matters. If need be, why not make attendance records public? The people have every right to know whether their elected reps are actually doing the job they promised – or just coasting along quietly in the background.
And just like any other job, being an elected representative should come with clear expectations and performance indicators.
It’s not unreasonable to expect basic performance metrics, say how often they attend sittings, whether they contribute to debates, the number of questions or motions they raise, and how actively they engage with their constituents.
There should, rightfully, be a yearly report card. At least, this way, the public and voters can see who’s actually doing the work and who’s just riding the wave till the next election.
Political parties also play a significant role. They need to instil discipline and uphold strong values among their members.
When picking candidates, the priority shouldn’t just be on who’s popular or well-connected – it should be on those who genuinely want to serve, and who will do so with consistency, integrity, and a real commitment to the rakyat.
Elected representatives must remember being visible only during election campaigns but invisible during legislative sessions is not only hypocritical – it’s a betrayal of public trust.
If we are truly serious about strengthening our democracy, we must demand more from those we entrust to lead. Otherwise, what is the point of going through the trouble – and cost – of holding elections every five years?
Campaigns require effort, time, and public funds, all of which are wasted if those elected do not show up to do the job.
Absenteeism in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies must not be treated as a minor inconvenience. It is a serious dereliction of duty – a betrayal of the people’s trust. The rakyat deserves better.
DISCLAIMER:
Aden Nagrace is the Editor-in-Chief of Sarawak Tribune, The views expressed here, however, are those of his personal views and do not necessarily represent that of the Sarawak Tribune. He can be reached at drnagrace@gmail.com.
