Deputy Munazza Malik has been at just eight of 23 committee meetings held by Health & Social Care and 13 out of 19 committee meetings held by Home Affairs since the start of the States term in July.
She has by far the highest absence record of any deputy on the senior and seven principal committees, according to attendance data provided on request to the Guernsey Press this week.
Home Affairs president Marc Leadbeater admitted that it was ‘never ideal’ for members to miss meetings, but Deputy Malik had made arrangements with her work which would allow her to attend meetings as expected from now on.
HSC president George Oswald said Deputy Malik’s contribution to his committee was constructive and appreciated.
Deputy Malik insisted that she was ‘fully engaged and committed’ to her political role.
Neither the deputy nor her presidents directly addressed questions about whether any consideration had been given to her standing down from the committees and reducing her political commitments.
Her record of attendance at full States meetings has been good, missing only the third and final day of the most recent States meeting debating the Government Work Plan.
Deputy Malik is employed as a pharmacist and also serves as a douzenier in St Peter Port.
As an ordinary member who does not hold a presidency or a seat on P&R, her remuneration as a deputy is £49,151 a year, and she receives no additional pay for sitting on committees.
At the start of the term, Home Affairs’ members decided the committee would meet on Tuesdays.
‘Deputy Malik informed me around the turn of the year that Tuesdays were becoming an issue for her because of her professional commitments,’ said Deputy Leadbeater.
‘The committee looked at the possibility of changing to a different day to accommodate Deputy Malik’s changing circumstances. Unfortunately, we were unable to find an alternative day that all members could make.’
Deputy Oswald dismissed concerns about Deputy Malik’s record of attending only a third of committee meetings held by HSC, the States’ highest-spending committee, and wanted to help her contribute as much as possible to its extensive agenda of work.
‘Committee papers are circulated to all members in advance, allowing input to be provided by e-mail if attendance in person is not possible. We welcome her continued involvement as circumstances allow,’ said Deputy Oswald.
‘If further steps were needed to support her in fulfilling her duties, we would consider them carefully. Our priority remains delivering the important work entrusted to us by the community, with a diverse and collaborative committee focused on achieving the best outcomes for islanders.’
Deputy Malik issued a statement after being approached by the Guernsey Press.
‘As a serving member of these committees, my involvement extends far beyond formal meetings,’ she said.
‘It includes detailed briefings, reviewing papers and ongoing discussions with colleagues.
‘I am fully engaged and committed, contributing meaningfully at both committee and States level.’
She said that regular interaction with people kept her connected to the realities they face, particularly in health and community services.
‘It strengthens the perspective I bring to policy discussions and decision-making,’ said Deputy Malik.
‘I would welcome more encouragement for working professionals to stand for election.
‘My focus remains clear, to serve diligently, to act with integrity, and to ensure that every effort I make contributes to moving Guernsey forward for the benefit of our community.’
Deputy Malik received 6,215 votes in the election, placing 27th among the 38 successful candidates.