Transparency International Malaysia calls for public MP attendance records and stricter rules after a crucial constitutional amendment vote failed due to absenteeism.
PETALING JAYA: Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) has urged practical, rules-based reforms to tackle parliamentary absenteeism, calling for attendance records of MPs to be made public, especially during votes of national significance.
The call comes after the Dewan Rakyat failed to pass the constitutional amendment limiting the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years, a measure that required a two-thirds majority.
Its president Raymon Ram said absenteeism during critical votes cannot be normalised.
“Parliamentary absenteeism during critical national votes cannot be tolerated. The rakyat must be able to see which MPs are fulfilling their constitutional duties and which are not.
“Attendance is not a formality; it is a fundamental responsibility of elected representatives.”
He acknowledged that MPs may have legitimate reasons to miss sessions – including medical emergencies, official duties or approved leave – but stressed that transparency is essential.
“Where constitutional amendments or major governance reforms are concerned, even a few unexplained absences can swing the outcome, carrying serious democratic consequences.”
TI-M outlined a series of reforms to strengthen accountability. Attendance records should be published daily during parliamentary sittings, clearly categorised as present, absent with leave or absent without leave and made publicly accessible promptly.
Parliament should also designate certain votes — such as constitutional amendments, budget approvals, and motions of confidence — as requiring heightened attendance, with MPs providing written explanations for any absence.
The group recommended proportionate consequences for unjustified absenteeism, including mandatory public explanations, referrals to the Committee of Privileges, structured financial deductions, and party-level disciplinary measures.
Article 52(1) of the Federal Constitution, which allows for seats to be declared vacant if MPs are absent without leave for six months, should be applied consistently as a constitutional safeguard rather than a symbolic provision.
“Political parties cannot outsource accountability to whips. They must ensure their members fulfil their legislative mandate, particularly when reform votes fail by narrow margins.
“Parliament cannot demand public trust while tolerating avoidable non-attendance during decisions that shape the constitutional and governance framework of the nation.
“Institutional reform requires more than tabling legislation — it requires elected representatives to discharge their mandate responsibly, transparently, and consistently,” he said.