LETTER | Alternatives to five-term limit for MPs

LETTER | The proposed five-term limit for MPs can cull some who are barely performing or even some deadwood, but the nation and rakyat may also lose out on hardworking, honest, responsible, and dedicated lawmakers who provide sterling and selfless service to the nation and their constituents.

An alternative to winnowing out the chaff from the wheat would be to make being an MP less lucrative in terms of perks and benefits.

This can be done by reducing all allowances by at least 75 percent. Confining MPs to only one pension (which they get as lawmakers) no matter how many committees or task forces they are involved in.

If convicted of corruption or criminal charges, all pension and other related benefits will be forfeited.

Parliamentary sittings should also be extended by 25 percent and lawmakers’ pay should be reduced proportionately if they fail to attend at least 60 percent of the sitting days unless it is due to health reasons.

No family of MPs, except for spouses, will be allowed to accompany them on overseas trips and only if the trip takes more than five days. Accommodations are limited to only up to three-star hotels.

No MPs can be appointed as ambassadors or special envoys to foreign countries or to head any GLCs or government enterprises.

Furthermore, MPs will not be allowed to be appointed as directors or hold any office in any private or public companies.

Gifts of appreciation or mementoes of more than RM500 in value cannot be accepted by MPs.

If appointed to lead in any national sports organisation, they can only get an appropriate allowance and travel stipends, and their terms are to be limited as decided by the sports organisation or body. They should also not be getting a pension from these organisations.

All MPs must declare their wealth and worth to Parliament annually.

An MP’s position must not be a high-paying, high absenteeism, cushy job with numerous benefits with the possibility of multiple pensions and perks upon retirement.

We must ensure that the MPs we vote for can provide selfless service, are honourable and patriotic, and are dedicated and responsible for the elevated position they are in.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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