Civil society group lauds speaker's Parliament reform agenda

 

A civil society group has lauded the parliamentary reform agenda proposed by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul yesterday.

The Seed Community for a Professional Parliament suggested the establishment of new parliamentary committees and a cross-party parliamentary group to bridge the gap between civil society groups and the policy-making process.

"We would like to know further plans of the speaker on the establishment of new select committees, their numbers, and membership, including the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which will monitor all ministries led by the prime minister.

"We also suggest a parliamentary select committee for budget and finance be established separately to review financial affairs that are not included under the PAC's supervision," the group said in a statement today.

According to the group, select committees based on important ministries and themes should exist permanently, with only their membership changed after every general election.

"This continuity will maintain the effectiveness of the select committee itself."

'Establish All-Party Parliamentary Group'

The group also called for the establishment of the All-Party Parliamentary Group which was implemented until the last parliamentary term, as it has bridged the gap in civil societies and the public's involvement in the national policy-making process.

"The noble idea of Madani Malaysia should be raised as a narrative umbrella to support multi-party democracy and deepen the reform of Parliament and other important institutions. Fierce inter-party conflict should be replaced by healthy, professional, and productive inter-party competition.

"Finally, we call for this coalition to continue to be a strategic partner of the Malaysian Parliament as a continuation of efforts to empower the august House," said the group.

Seed Community for a Professional Parliament is a network of individuals active in civil society groups, think tanks, and academia that strives for a professional Parliament to create healthy policy competition between various parties.

Its members include Bersih, ENGAGE Network, Wisdom Foundation, Bait Al Amanah, REFORM Malaysia, and UNDI18, while the individuals are Maha Balakrishnan, Lim Chee Han, and Prof Wong Chin Huat.

In revealing his reform agenda, Johari said that his plans include the re-enactment of the Parliamentary Services Act (PSA) and the upgrading of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee.

In addition, Johari also wants Special Select Committee to strengthen the role of ministries, and the improvement of the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952, which would increase the fine imposed on MPs who violate the stipulated rules. - Mkini