09/03/2026

MONDAY | MAR 9, 2026

3 ‘Mandatory MP attendance risks undermining democracy’

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING Malaysia risks undermining parliamentary democracy if it imposes a legal requirement forcing MPs to attend key votes, said a legal expert. Taylor’s University senior law lecturer Dr Wilson T.V. Tay said mandatory attendance could create additional pressure on elected representatives and erode independent decision-making. He added that absenteeism does not affect the legal validity of parliamentary decisions as there is no constitutional obligation for MPs to be present or vote. “I don’t think Malaysia should adopt such a requirement because MPs are supposed to represent their constituents and conduct themselves according to their conscience. “Staying away or abstaining from voting during a key vote may be a subtle sign that the particular MP does not agree with the proposal on the table. “It is a legitimate form of expression,” he said. Tay added that such freedom forms an important component of the constitutional system of checks and balances. “The ability of MPs to express disagreement with legislative proposals coming from the government is a key part of our constitutional check-and-balance mechanism. “This should not be watered down by unnecessary requirements that give the government of the day more avenues to control MPs.” He said from a legal standpoint, absenteeism alone does not undermine the validity of parliamentary decisions. “There is no direct impact because there is no legal requirement for MPs to attend and vote. “Even if members are in attendance, they can voluntarily decide not to vote if they choose to,” he added. Tay pointed out that during last week’s vote on the prime minister’s term limit Bill, a significant number of MPs abstained, particularly from the opposition benches. He explained that the legitimacy of constitutional amendments depends on whether the threshold set out under Article 159(3) of the Federal Constitution is met. He stressed that the requirement refers to two-thirds of the total membership of the Dewan Rakyat – 148 votes – not merely the number of JAYA:

strikes a reasonable balance. “It balances an MP’s duty to represent constituents according to conscience with responsibilities to the political party that got him or her elected.” Last week, theSun reported that an expert suggested a law be introduced to regulate absenteeism among MPs, particularly during crucial votes such as constitutional amendments. International Islamic University Malaysia constitutional law expert Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain said attendance should not only be expected during major votes but also made mandatory for all parliamentary sittings. “In all parliamentary proceedings, MPs need to be present – to participate in debates, to listen and argue, and ultimately to support or oppose any motion.”

away from Parliament on a particular day.” He added that the timing of constitutional votes is often uncertain as it depends on the government’s legislative agenda and available parliamentary time. “As such, MPs would face difficulties managing their schedules if such a requirement is imposed.” Tay said from a legal perspective, Article 52(1) of the Federal Constitution already provides a safeguard against prolonged absenteeism, stating that an MP who is continuously absent from every sitting for six months may have his seat declared vacant. Beyond that, said disciplinary action should remain primarily within political parties. “This is the current position Malaysia has and in my opinion, it

o Legal expert says proposal could create additional pressure on lawmakers

He added that party whips are responsible for ensuring MPs follow party positions during important votes, although enforcement largely depends on how strongly a party wishes to impose discipline. Tay also said introducing a legal requirement would present significant practical and legal challenges. “It would be unheard of among Commonwealth countries and proper democratic systems. “There would be many practical difficulties in devising and enforcing such a requirement as there are valid reasons why an MP might have to be

MPs present or voting. “As long as the requirement is met, the constitutional amendment Bill will pass and is considered legitimate. If the votes fall below that threshold, the Bill fails.” On proposals to impose legal requirements for attendance, Tay said such matters are typically governed by internal party discipline rather than legislation. “Generally, the requirement for MPs to attend and vote during key votes is a matter of internal party discipline, to be enforced by the political parties to which the MPs belong.”

Call for independent National Harmony Commission

KUALA LUMPUR: National unity advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has proposed the establishment of a National Harmony Commission as an independent statutory body to safeguard and strengthen inter-ethnic and interfaith harmony in the country. He said Malaysia’s diversity has long been the nation’s greatest strength, but recent incidents involving racial and religious sensitivities – both online and offline – highlight the need to reinforce efforts to protect national unity. “As a multiracial, multireligious and multicultural nation, we have long prided ourselves on our ability to live together in peace, mutual respect and shared prosperity,” he said in a statement yesterday. However, Lee cautioned that such sensitivities, if not addressed carefully, could undermine the foundations of national unity. “In recent years, we have witnessed increasing instances of racial and religious sensitivities being tested both online and offline, which if left unchecked, may erode the very foundation of national unity.” Lee said the proposed commission could serve as an early intervention mechanism to monitor trends, mediate disputes and address grievances before they escalate into larger conflicts. He added that the body could also facilitate structured interfaith and intercultural dialogue, promote community-based initiatives and advise the government on policies involving sensitive matters related to race, religion, language and education. – Bernama

Tay said absenteeism does not affect the legal validity of parliamentary decisions as there is no constitutional obligation for MPs to be present or vote. – SUNPIC

MCMC takes safe internet campaign to Ramadan bazaars KUALA LUMPUR: Ramadan bazaars across 19 locations nationwide not only attracted crowds seeking food to break fast but also served as platforms to raise awareness on online safety during the recent Safe Internet Campaign (KIS)@Bazar Ramadan. awareness on the safe use of the internet, especially among children aged 16 and below,” said Rabiatul Adawiyah Idris, 40, a visitor at the bazaar. At the Bertam Putra Ramadan bazaar in Penang, MCMC demonstrated parental control features and distributed 500 kits. “Outreach in open public spaces is more effective than closed programmes targeting specific

media access for those under 16. In Kuching, Sarawak the Stutong Ramadan bazaar attracted crowds from as early as 2pm, with many seeking information on online scams. MCMC Kuching branch director Scott S.Y. Kueh said similar initiatives are regularly conducted in schools and will expand to communities to raise wider awareness. In Johor, Communications Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching said the campaign, launched in January 2025, engages directly with the public on media literacy. “Organising the campaign at bazaars enables interaction with parents and children. “Such programmes should continue to enhance digital literacy, particularly on safe internet use, AI and scam prevention.” – Bernama

In Pahang, the Tasik Abu Bakar Ramadan bazaar in Pekan saw strong engagement at the MCMC booth from as early as 4pm. MCMC senior director (eastern region) Mohd Fairus Mohamad said the campaign provides direct exposure to the public on risks such as online scams, cyberbullying and the spread of fake news, beyond earlier programmes conducted mainly in schools. In Terengganu, visitor Maheran Mohamed, 38, said the campaign was timely given the rise in cybercrime, and emphasised the need for parents to protect their children.

groups,”said Emi Nashellah Zulkifly, 41. Negeri Sembilan MCMC director Md Tahir Musa reported a positive response at the Metropark Sendayan Ramadan bazaar, with visitors learning to recognise scams, protect personal data and respond to cybercrime. The campaign was also held at bazaars in Selangor, Kelantan, Perak, Malacca, Perlis, Sabah and Sarawak. In Tawau, Sabah the Sabindo Ramadan bazaar drew visitors keen on learning about safe internet use, particularly following the government’s move to ban social

Organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the campaign featured interactive sessions on internet safety, demonstrations on activating parental controls and engagement programmes with bazaar visitors. In the capital, MCMC distributed 500 Ramadan kits at the IWK Eco Park Pantai Dalam Ramadan bazaar, containing pamphlets aimed at increasing public understanding of online safety. “Programmes like this help raise