Regulatory body needed to hold govt accountable on climate change, says UK envoy

 

Acting British high commissioner to Malaysia David Wallace said the committee could help challenge businesses where necessary as an independent body with expert oversight. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Acting British high commissioner to Malaysia David Wallace has suggested the establishment of an independent regulatory body to guide the government in achieving its climate goals, especially amid pushback surrounding Malaysia’s proposed climate change bill.

Wallace said a body like the UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) could draw on expert input and operate independently of the government, reporting directly to Parliament.

“A body such as the CCC enables the government to not act in a vacuum because it gives the opportunity to bring in wider views from the scientific community.

“It makes sure the ambitions set by the government are ones that can be met. This is where being held accountable comes in,” he said at the National Climate Governance Summit here today.

The UK established the CCC in 2008 to ensure government targets are realistic and to hold it accountable if they fall short.

Wallace said such a committee could also provide data and policy advice to help the government realise its climate ambitions, and challenge businesses where necessary as an independent body with expert oversight.

Natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad told FMT previously the climate change bill provides a clear framework on the types of industries the country wants to attract to meet its goal, especially in decarbonisation efforts.

He said the bill was being formulated jointly with the investment, trade and industry ministry.

He also said the government had begun to make the transition from a low-cost and low-wage economy to a high-value economy.

However, critics said the draft bill was too vague and technical, lacking focus on adaptation, and risk assessments for vulnerable communities.

They called for broader stakeholder consultations to fill these gaps. - FMT