All MPs to undergo mandatory health checks by Oct 31, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker

Tan Sri Johari Abdul has announced that all Members of Parliament (MPs) will be required to undergo mandatory health checks by October 31 this year. Johari emphasized the importance of the health examination, citing incidents where 11 MPs collapsed over the past 15 years. He urged MPs to take their health seriously, acknowledging that some may be too busy to prioritize their well-being. Four MPs have died since the 2018 general election, most of whom suffered heart attacks.

Datuk Stephen Wong Tien Fatt died of a heart attack in March 2019 while hiking near Putatan, Sabah. His death led to the Sandakan by-election, in which his daughter Vivien Wong was eventually elected as MP. In September 2019, Datuk Dr Md Farid Md Rafik, deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, died of a heart attack. This triggered a by-election in Tanjung Piai, won by Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng of MCA.

Gerik MP Datuk Hasbullah Osman died from a heart condition on November 16, 2020. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, no by-election was held, and the seat was later won by Fathul Huzir Ayob in GE15. In October 2020, former minister Datuk Liew Vui Keong died from pneumonia while being treated for a slipped disc. The Batu Sapi seat remained vacant without a by-election and was eventually won by Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan. The recent Pulai by-election was triggered by the death of Salahuddin Ayob on July 23 due to a brain hemorrhage, with Suhaizan Kaiat winning the seat.

In April 2016, former Sepang MP Mohamed Hanipa Maidin collapsed from a stroke during debates in Dewan Rakyat. In October 2019, former Nibong Tebal MP Datuk Mansor Othman collapsed while delivering his Budget 2020 speech in the Dewan Rakyat.

Johari stated that notices for the mandatory health checks were issued to MPs on September 12. MPs can undergo the health checks at the Parliament clinic, government clinics, or private clinics listed in the notice. All MPs must complete their mandatory health checks by October 31. Johari made this recommendation to the Health Ministry to ensure MPs monitor their health status.