BN backbencher calls for allowance cut for suspended MPs

A Barisan Nasional backbencher on Monday called on the government to cut the allowances and special privileges for any Members of Parliament (MPs) who are suspended from attending the Dewan Rakyat sitting.

Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh (BN-Putatan) said this would prevent the spread of the culture of disrespect for the Parliament among the MPs, especially in the opposition bloc, in line with the transformation programme to take the Malaysian Parliament to greater heights.

"It is high time for the Dewan Committee to review the Standing Order 79 to enable the allowances and special privileges for any suspended MPs be cut in half," he said when debating the Supply Bill 2016 at the Dewan Rakyat sitting here.

Last Thursday, the Dewan Rakyat suspended Gelang Patah MP Lim Kit Siang for six months after he failed to withdraw an alleged remark against the Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia and make an unconditional apology.

Kit Siang was suspended after allegedly accused the Speaker of having abused his power as the Speaker and attempted to sabotage the investigation into government investigation company 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Meanwhile, Marcus also called on the government to consider upgrading the special privilege for Dewan Rakyat Speaker, such as making him eligible for first class air travel.

"While MPs are flying first class when they return to their constituencies, the Speaker is flying with low-cost carrier AirAsia...that is so unfair, especially for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker from Sabah and Sarawak,' he said.

Marcus also asked the government to review the allowance and pension for former MPs.

He also urged the government, through the Communication and Multimedia Ministry and relevant agencies, to help counter all allegations concerning Sabah and Sarawak in a bid to restore public confidence in the Barisan Nasional government in view of the 14th general election.

Marcus said he, as an MP from Sabah, could not explain all those sensitive issues, including the allegation about of Sabah and Sarawak leaving the federation, Sabah people being sidelined, oil royalty, rural development, Eastern Sabah Security Command areas, and the kidnapping cases in the state, without the help from the government machinery.