Nga’s 10-point election platform for deputy speaker

 

Former Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Nga Kor Ming is eyeing the post vacated by Umno’s Azalina Othman Said.

PETALING JAYA: Teluk Intan MP Nga Kor Ming has proposed 10 reforms to be carried out if he is elected as deputy speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, the post vacated recently by Umno’s Azalina Othman Said.

Nga, who is also a former deputy speaker, said his proposed reforms are to allow Parliament to finally be financially and administratively independent.

The Dewan Rakyat is expected to vote on a new deputy speaker on Tuesday. Nga, of DAP, is to be proposed by Pakatan Harapan, while the government is expected to nominate Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan of Umno.

He said in a statement today that he will propose the revival of the Parliamentary Services Act, which was repealed in 1992, and advocated again during the PH era.

He said this was crucial to prevent Parliament from being a “rubber stamp” of the executive.

Nga said he would ensure that the government’s annual budget of more than RM320 billion would be made more transparent and accountable through the Special Select Committee on Budget Review, comprising 51% of MPs from the ruling party and 49% from the opposition.

The move is necessary to avoid wastage and leakages, he added.

Nga suggested a special select committee be set up to review any government bill. “Any bill must first be vetted by this committee first,” he said.

A second chamber would also be needed to discuss issues faced by various constituencies so that the relevant ministers can directly answer MPs on questions raised.

Nga is also pushing for a live broadcast of Public Account Committee (PAC) meetings.

PH, he said, had started the process to improve and empower PAC, by appointing an opposition member as its chairman. “In order to enhance transparency, the meetings will need to be broadcast live online.”

Parliament must also set a minimum number of days for sittings to ensure MPs play their roles.

Nga has also promised to push for ministerial post status for the opposition leader. “However, the opposition leader’s office must announce its expenses every year to promote transparency.”

Nga said any motion of confidence must be institutionalised as a way to ensure legitimacy of the prime minister. “Parliament must amend the standing orders requiring any new prime minister to submit a motion of confidence to the Parliament within 30 days after being sworn in,” Nga said.

Nga also suggested reforms like the tabling of an anti-hopping law, which includes recall elections, and the setting up of a special select committee on environment protection and sustainable goals. - FMT