KUALA LUMPUR: The suggestion to make public the attendance records of lawmakers during parliamentary sittings will not only set the right tone for the country's political landscape but also the national development agenda, a prominent social activist and former member of Parliament Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said.
While attendance among MPs is necessary to ensure the people's voices are heard, Lee also pointed out the importance of constructive and quality debate during Parliamentary sittings that would enable the government to formulate the best policy and steer the country forward.
"The proposal will help to uphold accountability and responsibility among the MPs.
"The public should have access (to the attendance records of their respective MPs) and know what the MPs are doing since the people elected them.
"As a former MP, I fully agree with the proposal to make public the attendance records of lawmakers," Lee, also Alliance of Safety Community (Ikatan) chairman, said when contacted today.
He was commenting on Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul's consideration to allow members of the public to view the lawmakers' attendance records.
Lee described the proposal brokered by Johari as innovative and a positive development in the country's political scenario.
"What is also important is for the MPs to actively participate in all processes taking place during any Parliamentary sitting, including debating on a motion and voting to decide whether a Bill should be passed or otherwise.
"They must do all necessary homework before attending the sitting, not just going there merely warming their seats in the August House for them to be eligible for the allowance of attending Parliamentary sitting," Lee said.
Lee also emphasised that MPs should set the right example for the people by maintaining decorum during Parliamentary sittings.
"They must display maturity when debating and deliberating on certain bills or issues being raised in Parliament by providing constructive ideas and engaging in quality discussion.
"Do not just attend and make unnecessary noise. And remarks considered 'unparliamentary' should never be uttered (during any parliamentary sitting)," he said.
Lee added that he looked forward to and hoped that Johari could look at ways for the proposal to enable the public to view the attendance records of the MPs to be implemented.
During the Concorde Club forum organised by senior media editors yesterday, Johari said he would look into the suggestion, especially from a legal perspective, as amendments would be needed.
The Concorde Club is a forum on current issues by selected speakers initiated by veteran journalists, including Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
