WHEN video clips of Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook having difficulties breathing in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday (July 10) went viral, many Malaysians became concerned – even if it was just momentarily.
As it turned out, Loke was just trying to catch his breath after sprinting from his car to the legislative chambers to answer the first Parliamentary question of the day – that of Subang MP Wong Chen regarding regulations to allow drivers with disabilities holding an A/A1 license to work as e-hailing drivers.
He had earlier been caught in the notorious Kuala Lumpur traffic made worse by a downpour. But scenes of him pressing his hand against his chest while being out of breath to the point where his deputy Datuk Hasbi Habibollah had to stand in was a concerning sight not only for fellow MPs who were present in the August House but Malaysians at large.
Addressing his breathing difficulty during the question time earlier, the 47-year-old Seremban MP and DAP secretary-general assured that he is in good health despite experiencing shortness of breath.
He further explained that he had consulted a doctor in Parliament and plans to undergo a comprehensive medical check-up today (July 11) for reassurance.
Health is wealth
Although Loke eventually regained his composure and took supplementary questions from the floor, the episode was a grim reminder that the health of MPs – including ministers and their deputies – was of national interests.
For one, the country could do without by-elections which must be called should lawmakers die in office. Since the 2022 general election alone, there had been 10 by-elections involving four parliamentary and six state seats.
Of the 10, six of them were triggered by the demise of incumbents due to health issues. The Parliament seats were Padang Serai and Pulai, the former involving a candidate from the 2022 general election who died during campaigning while the latter was a seat held by former Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub who died from a brain haemorrhage.
The four state seats were Simpang Jeram, Jepak, Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) and Sungai Bakap. These candidates died of reasons like ovarian cancer, kidney complications and inflammation of the stomach.
By-elections are expensive affairs. The Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections – held concurrently – cost taxpayers RM6 mil. The bill can go up significantly more for larger constituencies which require more complex logistical needs.
At a time when the Government is reeling from an external debt of RM1.27 bil as of end-March 2024 which is equivalent to 69% of the country’s GDP (gross domestic product), we should not be spending unnecessarily – including on by-elections if possible.
For starters, the Election Commission (EC) can put in place health requirements for candidates who wish to stand. Those who suffer from serious illnesses such as advanced stages of cancer or acute cardiovascular diseases should be disqualified unless they get medical clearance to do so.
Right now, all MPs are required to undergo annual health screening so that any underlying health issues can be detected early. This requirement should also be extended to all state assemblymen.
On top of that, the EC can also encourage lawmakers to lead a healthy lifestyle amid their pressure-cooker jobs. For example, YBs can be asked to perform exercise routines like brisk walking or running on a treadmill for a certain number of hours each week.
While compelling them to do so may be difficult, an advisory from the EC will send the right message to them that the lawmakers’ health affects the nation’s wealth. – July 11, 2024
