Explain Lawas MP’s absence in Parliament during key vote, PH man tells GPS

MIRI (March 4): Pakatan Harapan (PH) has called on Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to clarify why its Lawas MP Henry Sum Agong was absent during a crucial parliamentary vote on Monday.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary Alan Ling said there was no valid reason for a ruling coalition MP to miss such an important sitting.

“During such an important moment, a ruling government MP has no valid excuse to be absent from the sitting,” he said in a press statement.

Ling, who is also Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak secretary, noted that all PH MPs from Sarawak were present and voted in favour of the proposed constitutional amendment to limit the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of 10 years.

However, eight MPs from the ruling coalition, including Henry, did not turn up.

“GPS chief Abang Johari Openg is duty-bound to speak out if the Lawas MP remains silent though pressed by the public to explain.

“Tell the people the reason why you failed to come, let the electorates know your excuses and make evaluation thereon,” Ling said.

The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, tabled by Law and Institutional Reform Minister Azalina Othman Said on Feb 23, sought to introduce a lifetime cap of 10 years for the office of prime minister.

The Bill fell two votes short of the two-thirds majority, with 146 MPs supporting it against the required 148.

Ling said tabling the amendment under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim demonstrated political will to pursue institutional reforms and strengthen governance.

He urged GPS leaders to provide a clear explanation to the people of Lawas regarding their MP’s absence during the historic vote.