KUALA LUMPUR: A maximum fine of up to RM10,000 could be imposed on Members of Parliament (MPs) who make uncivil remarks during parliamentary sittings, according to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
The proposed increase in fine, from the current RM1,000, is part of the parliamentary reforms being considered to enhance proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat.
“We are advocating for a maximum fine of RM10,000 or you will be expelled from the House,” said Johari during the Parliament Lecture Series held in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday (Aug 18) night.
Currently, MPs who utter racist, sexist, or derogatory remarks in Parliament are subject to a fine of up to RM1,000, including suspensions.
However, the RM1,000 fine was never enforced despite being introduced several decades ago.
According to Johari, the proposed increase in fines for MPs’ uncivil behavior will be included in forthcoming revisions to the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952.
“This act will be implemented and it will ensure all MPs contribute to the betterment of the nation by eliminating unparliamentary actions and words during sittings,” said Johari.
“I hope we will have a more productive session in the upcoming meeting (in October),” added Johari.
Johari also expressed his hope for the reintroduction of the Parliamentary Services Act, which was repealed in 1992, to the August House.
The Parliamentary Services Act was initially established in 1963, a few months prior to the formation of Malaysia.
It granted Parliament the ability to act as an independent entity, overseeing its own operations, selecting its staff, and controlling its finances.
Johari made these remarks during a forum that likewise featured Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Ariff, who spoke later, suggested that MPs who misbehave should have their allowances suspended in addition to being banned from the August House.
Mohamad Ariff also emphasized that suspensions from Parliament should exceed two days.
“Around 10 days of suspension should be given. Nearly two weeks without allowances can have a substantial impact,” said Mohamad Ariff.
“I don’t believe one or two days of suspension would be effective. It has been proven time and time again that these MPs return and we have a repetition of the same drama,” added Mohamad Ariff.
Mohamad Ariff stressed that parliamentary reforms must go hand in hand with efforts to reform the parliamentary culture.
“Despite the best efforts of the Speaker and his deputies, I observe that unruly behavior is still evident in the House,” concluded Mohamad Ariff.
The Parliament’s next session is scheduled for 32 days, from October 9 to November 30.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
