'I've never ponteng' - incumbent Jempol MP flexes Parliament attendance record

While many candidates often tout their work experience or service record, a BN incumbent MP has drawn attention to his attendance record in Parliament.

Incumbent Jempol MP Mohd Salim Mohd Sharif is the only BN parliamentarian with a perfect attendance record of 84 since July last year when the Dewan Rakyat started recording attendance on the Hansard.

Although BN has yet to confirm Salim's candidacy, he believes that his legislating track record would work in his favour.

"The question of candidacy lies with the party. Moreover, I am a junior MP.

"However, I can show my report card in Parliament. I've never ponteng (played truant). I attended 84 days and debated 10 issues of public concern," he said, according to Sinar Harian.

Salim's attendance rate in Parliament during the above-stated period was above the average set by Umno MPs (75.8 percent).

The Hansard also shows he took part in 10 debates, which earned him praise from watchdog MyMP as he was described as among the more active legislators.

Active on the ground

Salim said he has also been very active in serving his constituents, unlike candidates who only appear during election time.

"(My constituents) want to see whether I'm around during floods and when I solve their problems or hand out aid.

"It's like taking an exam - we should start early, instead of cram at the last minute," he added.

Jempol has long been considered a stronghold of former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Mohd Isa Samad.

In 2018, Salim retained the seat for BN by winning 46.8 percent of the vote.

Should Salim be retained, he will be facing Pakatan Harapan's Norwani Ahmat. Norwani is a corporate figure and the Negeri Sembilan Amanah women's wing chief.

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