Mahathir will speak to absentee MPs after only 24 out of 222 MPs showed up in parliament

Mahathir suggested that parliament attendance would be a factor in his cabinet reshuffle.

Jason Fan | November 21, 2019, 03:36 PM

Malaysia's parliament got off to a rocky start on Nov. 20, as absentee MPs led to the delay of the parliament sitting.

According to The Malay Mail, parliamentary sitting had to be delayed as only 24 of the 222 MPs were present.

26 MPs are needed for parliament to proceed.

In response to this, Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that Pakatan Harapan (PH) will speak to its MPs regarding the low turnout in parliament.

Attendance will be a factor in cabinet reshuffle

Mahathir said that a cabinet reshuffle was necessary after the recent defeat faced by PH in the Tanjung Piai by-election on Nov. 16, according to The Star.

He also suggested that parliament attendance would be a factor to determine which MPs may be dropped when he eventually reshuffles his cabinet.

"We will have to have a talk with the parliamentarians, as they were very anxious to be candidates. But after being elected, they are behaving as if they are not serious about serving the people," said Mahathir.

When asked how parliament attendance will be used as a factor in the cabinet reshuffle, he simply said, "It is up to me."

Non-attendance not a way to protest his leadership

When asked whether the lack of quorum was a way to protest his leadership, Mahathir said there were better ways to do so if that was their intent, according to The Malay Mail.

"If they don't like me they can so openly. I am subject to criticism, as usual, because if you become a leader, you must expect to be criticised," he said.

Related Story

Top image from Mahathir Mohamad's Facebook page.