Tenom MP Clarifies Reasons for Absence During Vote on the Prime Minister’s Term Limit Bill

5 March 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Member of Parliament for Tenom, Riduan Rubin, explained that his absence during the voting on the Constitutional Amendment Bill (2026) on 2 March was because he was focusing on managing the major flood disaster that affected his parliamentary constituency.

He stated that the flood in Tenom since 25 February 2026 was among the worst ever recorded in the area, impacting 61 villages with an estimated 4,000 households involved.

Riduan clarified that he had actually demonstrated his commitment to participating in the debate on the bill and supported the proposed amendment aimed at limiting the tenure of the Prime Minister to a maximum of 10 years.

However, he said, the critical flood situation required him to be in the area to coordinate relief operations alongside the District Office, security agencies, the Social Welfare Department, and volunteer teams.

“This flood not only caused damage and loss of property, but also saw some homes completely destroyed and essential infrastructure disrupted, forcing residents to be relocated to temporary shelters,” he stated in a press release.

He also reported that riverbank erosion in several villages was worsening, posing safety risks to the residents.

According to Riduan, as a representative elected by the voters, he felt a moral duty to be with the community during their difficult times caused by the disaster.

At the same time, he officially informed the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister II, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of his absence.

Riduan also apologised for any inconvenience caused by his absence during the voting process.

He emphasised that his decision was not due to a lack of respect for the democratic process but was made to prioritise the safety and welfare of the people of Tenom during this extraordinary disaster.

“My commitment to institutional reform, principles of accountability, and the nation’s welfare remains firm. However, in the face of a disaster affecting the people in my area, humanitarian priorities cannot be set aside,” he said.