TI-M urges practical, rule-based reforms on Parliament attendance

KUALA LUMPUR (March 4): Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) has called for practical and rule-based reforms to strengthen attendance accountability in Parliament after the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 to limit the Prime Minister’s term of office to 10 years fell short by two votes to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.

Its president, Raymon Ram, said the reforms are necessary to enhance transparency as they deter misconduct, strengthen democratic oversight and restore public confidence.

“Therefore, TI-M proposed that attendance and leave records be published daily during parliamentary sittings, categorised as ‘Present’, ‘Absent with Leave’, or ‘Absent without Leave’ and made publicly accessible within a defined timeframe.

“TI-M also urged Parliament to formally recognise certain categories of votes as requiring heightened attendance expectations, including constitutional amendments, Supply and Budget votes, motions of confidence or no confidence and structural governance reforms. For such votes, written reasons for absence should be filed and made publicly available,” he said in a statement today.

In addition, Raymon said the organisation also recommended the introduction of proportionate, rule-based and consistent consequences for unjustified absenteeism, including mandatory public explanations, referral to the Committee of Privileges where appropriate, structured financial deductions consistent with applicable legal and administrative frameworks, as well as party-level disciplinary measures.

Raymon further called for Article 52(1) of the Federal Constitution to be applied consistently in cases of chronic absence, stressing that where a Member is absent from every sitting for six months without leave, Parliament should treat the provision as a constitutional safeguard rather than a symbolic measure.

He said parliamentary absenteeism during pivotal national votes cannot be normalised as Parliament cannot demand public trust while tolerating avoidable non-attendance during decisions that shape the constitutional and governance framework of the nation.

“Institutional reform requires more than tabling legislation. It requires elected representatives to discharge their mandate responsibly, transparently and consistently.

“TI-M calls on Parliament to strengthen attendance transparency mechanisms and for all Members of Parliament, government and opposition alike, to demonstrate seriousness in upholding democratic responsibility. Malaysia’s democratic integrity depends not only on the laws we pass, but on the commitment of those entrusted to pass them,” he added.