Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, has expressed willingness to consider mental health screenings for Members of Parliament, following existing health checks already mandated for all lawmakers, including Senators.
Speaking during today’s parliamentary session, Johari noted, “We will consider Datuk Awang Hashim’s suggestion from Pendang and may even begin the mental health screening with him first.” The statement came after Awang raised concerns about MPs’ mental well-being while discussing the escalating issue of uncontrolled monkeys and ape attacks.
Awang quipped that, if possible, mental health checks — humorously referring to them as assessments for “bipolar mental disorder” — should apply to all MPs and even to the monkeys outside Parliament. He added his support for Johari to issue a formal directive for such screenings.
Johari reiterated that all MPs are required to undergo health examinations to ensure they remain fit to serve in the Dewan Rakyat. Lawmakers who fail to comply will have their names published on the Parliament website.
The Speaker confirmed that Parliament is coordinating with the Ministry of Health (KKM) and has already sent official letters to all MPs outlining the procedure and deadlines for completing the health assessments.
