Malaysian activist starts petition against absenteeism in Parliament

Kuala Lumpur – In a move that has resonated with many Malaysians weary of parliamentary no-shows, activist Roshinee Mookaiah has taken the initiative to launch a parliamentary petition aimed at curbing absenteeism among Members of Parliament. This grassroots effort, driven by personal conviction and a desire for greater accountability, seeks to force lawmakers to prioritize their legislative duties.

The catalyst for this campaign was the recent failure of a constitutional amendment to cap the prime minister's tenure, which narrowly missed the required votes due to the absence of several MPs. This incident, unfortunately, is not an isolated one, as parliamentary absenteeism has been a persistent concern for the Malaysian public. Ms. Mookaiah's petition, aptly named “Dilarang Ponteng Parlimen” (No Skipping Parliament), directly confronts this issue.

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I don’t have any funding. We just spent a few hundred ringgit of our own money to make placards, print out stickers and the sheets to collect the signatures

What makes this initiative particularly noteworthy is its reliance on a little-used parliamentary mechanism and the personal dedication of Ms. Mookaiah and her friends. They have been actively collecting signatures in public spaces, braving the elements, and using their own funds to raise awareness. This hands-on approach underscores a deep-seated frustration with the status quo and a belief that citizens can, and should, play a role in demanding better governance.

While Western media might focus on the political implications of absent MPs, the sentiment on the ground in Malaysia is one of profound disappointment and a yearning for representatives who are present and engaged. This petition represents a powerful expression of that sentiment, a call for a more responsible and effective Parliament that truly serves the people it represents. The success of this petition could set a precedent for citizen-led initiatives to enhance parliamentary accountability in Malaysia.

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Dilarang Ponteng Parlimen