KUALA LUMPUR: Titiwangsa Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani today voiced his support for the initiative to publicly reveal the names of consistently absent MPs from Dewan Rakyat sittings.
He said the proposal should be implemented while taking into consideration the condition of the MPs' executive duties.
"I agree with the proposal, but when we want to display the names, the MPs should have a proper excuse.
"What is most important is we need the minister and deputy minister to be in the Dewan Rakyat sittings.
"However, if they have executive duties, they may not have the chance to attend the Parliament in the morning. But so far, what I have seen is that they make the time (to attend)."
Asked if the proposal was meant for the opposition, Johari clarified that it applies to MPs from both sides of the Dewan Rakyat.
He asserted that it is the collective responsibility of all MPs to participate actively in parliamentary sessions, suggesting that prior notification should be provided if MPs have conflicting commitments.
"The Dewan Rakyat Speaker has to take care of both sides.
"I think it's the responsibility of all MPs to attend Parliament.
"But if there are any tasks on that day, the Speaker should be informed." he told reporters after handing out Deepavali donations to 700 families of the Indian community in the Titiwangsa parliamentary constituency in Taman Maluri, here, today.
Yesterday, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul announced plans to display the names of MPs deliberately absent from parliamentary sittings on the Dewan Rakyat website.
The move aimed at keeping constituents informed and encourage MPs to uphold their duties towards their parliamentary constituency and the constituents they represent.
He expressed intent to deliberate the proposal with the Parliamentary committee, a body inclusive of MPs from both the government and opposition blocs.
