The opposition leader should have a role in determining the Dewan Rakyat’s order of business to strengthen political consultation and democratic governance, says Wawasan secretary-general Saifuddin Abdullah.
Writing in his Merentas Ruang column in Sinar Harian, the Indera Mahkota MP and former foreign minister said the time was right to develop the concept of syura, or consultation, across various democratic processes.
‘This should include greater consultation with parliamentary select committees in the legislative process, and give the opposition leader a role in determining the Dewan Rakyat’s agenda,’ he said.
Wawasan president and Larut MP Hamzah Zainudin is currently the opposition leader.
Broader consultation in Parliament
Saifuddin also called for a consultative mechanism to review the eligibility and nomination requirements for Dewan Negara senators.
He said reforms were also needed to address the Senate’s reputation as a ‘rubber stamp’ for government bills.
Similar consultative processes could also be introduced to review the eligibility criteria for local authority members, he said.
More reforms at state level
Saifuddin also called for more state assemblies to establish opposition leader positions and select committees.
He said state assemblies should also increase the number of sittings held in each session.
