ANWAR CHAIRS NEW PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS ON REFORM, GOVERNANCE
12-member team to look into reforms and governance
ANEW parliamentary caucus on reform and governance has been formed, consisting of 12 parliamentarians from both sides of the political divide.
A source told the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) that the caucus is chaired by Port Dickson member of parliament (MP) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with Iskandar Puteri MP Lim Kit Siang as his deputy.
Members of the caucus are Sepang MP Mohamed Hanipa Maidin (Pakatan Harapan), Jeli MP Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed (PH), Sungai Petani MP Datuk Johari Abdul (PH), Segamat MP Datuk Seri Dr Santhara Kumar Ramanaidu (PH), Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah (PH), Kalabakan MP Ma’mun Sulaiman (Parti Warisan Sabah), Pengerang MP Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (Barisan Nasional), Padang Rengas MP Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz (BN), Santubong MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu) and Kubang Kerian MP Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (Pas).
It is learnt that the caucus will look into empowering Parliament as a branch of government responsible for instituting reforms in all aspects of the administration.
Anwar is reported to have said that he was committed to helping the government push for parliamentary reforms.
Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the appointments of Anwar and Lim to the caucus in a tweet.
Meanwhile, as part of parliamentary reforms, six new standing committees have been set up to ensure further checks and balances.
The committees will enable lawmakers to engage with ministers and develop policies.
According to a source, the new committees are chaired by government backbenchers.
The committees are the Consideration of Bills Committee (chaired by Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar), Budget Committee (chaired by Mustapa), Rights and Gender Equality Committee (chaired by Merbok MP Nor Azrina Surip), Major Public Appointments Committee (chaired by Selayang MP William Leong), Defence and Home Affairs Committee (chaired by Datuk Mansor Othman) and Federal State Relations Committee (chaired by Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim).
The six new committees join the five existing — Public Accounts Committee, Standing Orders Committee, House Committee, Privileges Committee and Select Committee.
The new committees were announced at a media conference by Subang MP Wong Chen, who described the development as “historic” and crucial to parliamentary reforms.
“Standing committees in Parliament are essential for democracy to flourish, to provide leadership and checks and balances to the executive branch.
“For too long, Malaysian members of parliament have only been tasked to debate bills at a cursory level, and rubber stamp laws drafted by the executive branch.”