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News Wrap-up: Absent MP's Under Fire...And Our Sweet Tooth Is Taking A Toll

Jul 25, 2018

MP's Under Fire For Parliament No-Show

Parliament had to postpone its proceedings for 5 minutes on Tuesday due to a lack of quorum.

The Pakatan government has been battling issues of low attendance since the Dewan Rakyat sitting began last week, and former minister Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim is now suggesting absent MPs be named and shamed and have their allowances cut.

MPs receive monthly allowances of RM5,000 for various expenses, and an additional allowance of RM200 per day just to show up at parliament.

The poor attendance rate at Parliament could also be worse on Wednesdays - which is when the Cabinet meeting is on. 

The government had earlier said the Cabinet meeting would be pushed to Friday as long as Parliament is on, but a minister says no such instructions have been received. 

Malaysian's Sweet Tooth Taking A Toll

Malaysia has the highest rate of diabetes in Asia, and one of the highest rates in the world. 

The National Diabetes Institute says 2.5 million adults here live with the condition, but that number may be higher, as half of the population don't know they have the illness. 

It adds that most of the time, Type 2 diabetes does not show any symptoms until the sufferer is hit by a heart attack, kidney failure, or requires an amputation.

Nannies Want Higher Pay

Child minders are asking to be paid at least RM600 per child.

Association of Registered Childcare Providers Malaysia told The Star, in some states, the charge is as low as RM300 per child, but that's not enough to break even.

Image Source: Bernama

It said a higher pay can help childminders hire more trained workers as well. 

This comes amid a spate of young children dying under the care of their nannies.

"Meds Made Me Drowsy"

Wangsa Maju MP Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew has brushed off the flak she received after a viral video emerged of her sleeping in Parliament. 

Image Source: Facebook video screengrab

She explained it was because she had the flu and took medication. 

Many netizens also dug up the fact that she forgot to bring her MyKad during the GE14 nomination day, but Dr Tan is not bothered, saying she's a normal person who makes mistakes.