We elect peoples' representatives to represent us in Parliament, i.e. as Members of Parliament.
Members of Parliament is supposed to represent the people of their constituencies, and that is the reason why they should be present at ALL parliamentary proceedings - and not just present but also participating for and on behalf of the constituencies that they represent (and for the people of Malaysia generally). They should be raising concerns and opinions of their constituency, and reporting back matters of interest to the constituency (and the people of Malaysia generally) back to their people.
Even when an MP or an ADUN for some very good reason is not able to attend Parliament (or a State Assembly sitting), there should at the very least be a 'personal assistant' or political assistant attending the sessions, who can report back to the MP/ADUN what is happening...
MPs do not represent the parties/coalitions that they come from - and that is why it is absurd for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to make comments (as reported), which give the indication that MPs are there primarily for the BN [not the people]
A comprehensive system will be created to ensure that there will be enough Barisan Nasional MPs attending Parliament sittings at all times, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said. - BN MP for Rompin represents the people of Rompin, in Parliament. The MP for Temerloh represents people of Temerloh in Parliament. So, if your MP is absent, then the constituents/people of that constituency is not represented. They are more importantly the peoples' representative (wakil rakyat) not the BN's representative. But Najib's comments seem to only be concerned about the BN's representation (or presence) in Parliament. [After all, it would be consistent with him making sitting MPs into Ambassadors who sit most of the time in Embassies in far away country...]
What is the role of BN MPs?
According to Najib, it is simple - “We need a comprehensive system so MPs will know when they need to be in Parliament,” he told reporters at the Kuching International Airport yesterday.
All he seems to be concerned about is that they be present when they are needed - and this for him would most likely be when there is a vote to be taken on some Bill or a 'no confidence motion'. Maybe also during events when there is 'TV coverage'...mmm. Reporters should really catch MPs outside the Dewan and ask them why they voted for this and that... and I am pretty sure that many of these MPs may not even really know what they voted for and why save for 'they had no choice but had to vote that way since they belonged to that party...' Sad, is it not.
Live coverage of Parliamentary proceedings would expose the absence and incompetence of some of these MPs, and will certainly improve the quality and participation of MPs as no one wants to be seen as 'stupid' or as a bad MP. There is already live feeds of Parliamentary proceedings that people can watch at the lobby, kantin, etc..and all that the government need to do is to put this on TV. We need a dedicated channel which will be proceedings of Parliament. There is no need for any 'producers' or 'directors' or 'interviews' - just let the people see all that is really happening in Parliament. If there are to be interviews and commentaries, then this should all be happening after the live feed or on a different channel - thus ensuring no disruption to the live transmission...
Remember the MPs represent the people of their constituency - and the stress should be that they are always represented in the Dewan Rakyat. If people are too busy or not bothered, then they do not deserve to be MPs...
But for Najib, attendance is not important - "...Later in Kota Kinabalu, Najib was asked whether Parliament attendence should be made a key performance indicator for MPs...“There is no need for it because it will be up to me when it comes to selecting candidates (for elections). I know what to do,” he said.."
A comprehensive system will be created to ensure that there will be enough Barisan Nasional MPs attending Parliament sittings at all times, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
He said he would discuss the matter with Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.
“We need a comprehensive system so MPs will know when they need to be in Parliament,” he told reporters at the Kuching International Airport yesterday.
Najib had earlier opened the Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) general assembly and then flown to Kota Kinabalu to attend the national-level Christmas open house.
Najib was commenting on the recent passing of Budget 2010 in the Dewan Rakyat where the Barisan Nasional managed to get the bill through by a slim majority of just three votes.
Asked whether any action would be taken against absent MPs, Najib said the MPs themselves should know that they should attend Parliament.
“The problem is that the Opposition are trying to catch us out. MPs know what action they need to take and that is to be present,” he said.
In his speech when opening the SPDP general assembly earlier, Najib underscored the importance of MPs attending Parliament by half-jokingly saying: “If you don’t attend, watch out.”
Later in Kota Kinabalu, Najib was asked whether Parliament attendence should be made a key performance indicator for MPs.
“There is no need for it because it will be up to me when it comes to selecting candidates (for elections). I know what to do,” he said.
Najib also stressed on the importance that the Barisan Government must deliver the promises made and fulfill the rakyat’s expectations to ensure that it continued to win elections.- Star, 30/12/2009, PM underscores importance of Barisan MPs being present at Parliament
Bullseye! Another stupid statement coming out of his mouth. Thanks for noting it, hahahaha.
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