What is the proposed change to the absenteeism period in the petition?

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The petition proposes reducing the allowable period for MP absenteeism from six months to a shorter duration.

A petition initiated by political activist Roshinee Mookaiah seeks to curtail the current six-month window for Members of Parliament (MPs) to be absent from sittings. This initiative, named "Dilarang Ponteng Parlimen" (Stop Parliamentary Truancy), gained significant traction, with over 1,400 Malaysians signing it, indicating public concern over lawmakers' attendance. The current six-month period is seen as excessively generous when compared to practices in other nations, such as Singapore, where a seat is declared vacant after just two months of absence.
Reduction in Absenteeism Window

The core demand of the "Dilarang Ponteng Parlimen" petition is to shorten the maximum period an MP can be absent from parliamentary sittings without consequence. This contrasts sharply with the existing provision in Malaysia, which allows for a six-month grace period. The petition argues that this extended period is too lenient and does not adequately reflect the importance of an MP's presence in legislative duties.
International Comparison Highlighted

To underscore the need for change, the petition draws a comparison with Singapore's parliamentary rules. In Singapore, an MP's seat is automatically vacated if they are absent for a period of two months. This stark difference highlights how Malaysia's current six-month allowance for absenteeism is significantly more permissive.
Public Support for Stricter Rules

The petition's success in garnering over 1,400 signatures, despite being paper-based and limited to the Klang Valley, demonstrates substantial public backing for stricter attendance requirements. This public engagement suggests a widespread belief that absenteeism among elected representatives is a dereliction of duty and an impediment to effective governance. The petition's aim is to reflect this public sentiment by advocating for a more rigorous approach to parliamentary attendance.

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What is the proposed change to the absenteeism period in the petition?

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