COMMENT | Higher fines on errant MPs not enough

COMMENT | On Aug 19, Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul said the Parliament was pushing to increase the maximum fine against errant MPs from RM1,000 to RM10,000.

He also said the fines would be imposed on MPs who make “unparliamentary remarks” and engage in “unparliamentary actions.”

“We are moving so that this act shall be implemented, and to make sure that every MP contributes to the betterment of the nation,” Johari was reported as saying.

Now, while I agree that unruly MPs should be penalised for their uncouth behaviour, I disagree that an RM10,000 fine will teach them a lesson in becoming more civil in their conduct.

Why, you may ask? Well, just look at the lavish lifestyle most of our MPs live. For career politicians, RM10,000 is probably just pocket money for them to throw around, to begin with...