Motion on reforms passed

Approval includes shorter period to submit oral questions

A MOTION on Parliamentary reforms, which includes a shorter notice for oral questions, the creation of a special chamber, and minister’s question time, was approved in the Dewan Rakyat.

The reforms include the reduction of the period for MPs to submit their questions from 14 to 10 working days, with each MP allowed to ask three out of the 10 oral questions at the sitting.

There will also be a special chamber created to debate urgent issues of public interest while half an hour for two days in a week has been allocated as minister’s question time.

The motion, tabled by Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, also deferred the setting of several select committees on transportation and cities, foreign affairs, food and health, energy, environment and water, rural wellbeing, economics, women affairs and integrity.

A proposal by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, who is the chairman of the Standing Orders Committee, to set up a committee to look into Bills was rejected as there could be delays in the enactment process before it can be brought to the Dewan Rakyat.

In winding up, Nazri said there was no need to shorten the hours and extend the days of the Parliament sitting as it would not be conducive for lawmakers who have other professional commitments.

V. Sivakumar (DAP-Batu Gajah) said lawmakers were forced to stay until the wee hours on some days to debate, causing them to be tired or less enthusiastic.

Nazri said lawmakers were not forced to sit throughout the sitting daily as they could chose to participate which Bills they want to debate on.

After the debates and winding up, Deputy Speaker Datuk Ismail Mohamed Said adjourned the House sine die.