Senate reforms: Vigneswaran moots longer terms, more senators

Dewan Negara speaker SA Vigneswaran has urged the Senate Reform Committee to look into increasing the length of their terms, as well as the number of state-appointed senators.

"If we are talking about not wanting to become a toothless tiger, then the (senators) must voice out according to your conscience.

"If that is the way, then we have a problem with these three-year (terms).

"If the three years are not increased, you (senators) won't get a full pension," Vigneswaran said in his officiating speech at the launch of the Dewan Negara Reformation roundtable discussion in Parliament today.

He explained that if one term is increased to five years for senators and they are guaranteed pension, they would be more likely to speak up on issues.

Thus, this would not only ensure, but further boost the independence of the senators, he added.

Currently, senators are appointed to a three-year term, with the likelihood of extending their terms for another three years.

Each state can appoint two senators, whereas the others are appointed at the discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Vigneswaran also suggested the state appointment quota be raised from two senators per state to three senators.

"For the purposes of reforming the Dewan Negara, this discussion can look into the membership of the Dewan Negara (where each state can) appoint up to two people.

"Maybe we should increase the number to three people," he said.

Quoting International Islamic University Malaysia law lecturer Shamrahayu A Aziz, he said it is in the interest of the states to increase the number of senators from each state.

This is so that the interest of each state can be properly safeguarded within parliament, he added.

He also mooted the idea of senators being given more responsibilities, as there is a perception that senators are not doing enough.

He said, senators did not have to take care of any constituency, so he urged the government to make better use of senators and their expertise.

Another proposal from Vigneswaran is for the Senate to have one to two days in a session to enable senators to table motions so they can discuss current issues in the country.

This session could be held while the Dewan Rakyat session is ongoing so that ministers can easily come into the Dewan Negara to join the debates on the motions. - Mkini