Who launched the petition against parliamentary truancy?

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Roshinee Mookaiah Launched the Petition Against Parliamentary Truancy

Political activist Roshinee Mookaiah initiated a parliamentary petition titled "Dilarang Ponteng Parlimen" (Stop Parliamentary Truancy) in mid-April. This citizen-driven initiative gained significant traction, with over 1,400 Malaysians signing it, exceeding Mookaiah's initial expectation of 500 signatures. The petition highlights concerns over lawmakers' absenteeism, which is viewed by many citizens as a dereliction of duty.
Petition Objectives and Support

The "Dilarang Ponteng Parlimen" petition aims to address the issue of parliamentary truancy by proposing specific measures for reform. It seeks to reduce the current six-month window during which Malaysian Members of Parliament (MPs) can be absent without consequence, contrasting this with Singapore's practice of declaring a seat vacant after two months of absence. The petition also advocates for disciplinary actions, including the deduction of salaries and allowances for MPs found to be truant.
Call for Transparency in Attendance Records

A key demand of the petition is for Parliament to enhance transparency by publishing detailed records of MPs' attendance and participation. This would involve clearly distinguishing between MPs who are merely present in the chamber and those who actively engage in parliamentary proceedings. Such transparency is intended to hold lawmakers more accountable to their constituents and to the responsibilities of their office.
Context of Absenteeism Concerns

The launch of the petition was prompted by concerns over significant absenteeism among lawmakers, which has had tangible impacts on legislative processes. For instance, the failure to pass a Constitutional amendment to limit the prime minister's tenure to 10 years on March 2 was attributed, in part, to the absence of 32 MPs and the abstention of 44 others. The petition underscores the expectation that MPs should actively represent their constituents' interests and concerns, especially given the substantial public funds allocated to parliamentary operations.

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Who launched the petition against parliamentary truancy?

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