A proposal to give the opposition leader a role in determining the Dewan Rakyat’s agenda has drawn mixed reactions from government bloc leaders, with Amanah rejecting the idea while a PKR MP called for further consideration.
Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil said there was no need to implement the proposal at this juncture, while Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim welcomed the move and called for it to be referred to a parliamentary select committee.
Amanah questions opposition readiness
Faiz said that although similar practices existed in several developed countries, the approach was unsuitable for Malaysia as the opposition had yet to demonstrate sufficient maturity in carrying out its checks and balances role.
He told FMT that countries such as the UK and Canada practised such an approach, but their opposition parties were genuinely mature in carrying out their role as an effective check and balance.
Faiz cited the decision by several opposition MPs to walk out of the Dewan Rakyat during the debate on the royal commission of inquiry into Tabung Haji, leaving only government representatives and several opposition MPs taking part.
He also questioned the opposition’s decision to initially appoint Kemaman MP Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, a Pas vice-president and PN chairman, as opposition leader before returning the post to Larut MP Hamzah Zainudin, despite Pas being the largest opposition bloc.
Faiz said the opposition had also failed to table an alternative budget, as was commonly done in several developed countries, although Pakatan Harapan had done so when it was in opposition.
PKR MP backs further consideration
On Friday, Wawasan secretary-general Saifuddin Abdullah proposed giving the opposition leader a role in determining the Dewan Rakyat’s agenda as part of efforts to strengthen consultation within the democratic system.
The Indera Mahkota MP said the approach was among reforms that should be considered in the system, institutions, leadership and government.
Hassan said the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders would need to be amended if the opposition leader were given a role in determining Parliament’s agenda.
He said the agenda was currently determined largely by the prime minister as leader of the House, while some procedural matters were handled by the Dewan Rakyat speaker.
Proposal seen as strengthening checks and balances
Hassan said the proposed change could strengthen the checks and balances process and enhance government accountability.
He added that it could also bolster Parliament’s independence under the Parliamentary Service Act and strengthen the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches.
