THE third session of the Dewan Negara was finally completed after seven days on December 29, during which it debated the budget and passed almost nine bills.

The journey of Malaysia’s upper house has not been an easy one. There were various limitations set until the Dewan Negara seemed like a rubber-stamp chamber of the legislature. Just imagine, members of the Dewan Rakyat can debate the budget for almost a month compared with just the five days given to the Dewan Negara. 

Recent political developments indicate that the role of the Senate must change. The majority of senators now had been members of the Dewan Rakyat, including the former ministers and deputy ministers. This has brought to the Dewan Negara a wealth of legislative ability and experience to debate on policy.

Dynamics of the president of the Dewan Negara 

The new appointment of the president of the Dewan Negara (YPDN), Dr Rais Yatim, to some extent has brought a momentum of change to the function of the Senate. Rais has been firm when handling debates and disciplined ministers and deputy ministers who gave lengthy answers that led to confusion among senators. 

He also highlighted deficiencies of senators during sittings.  

Rais has built impetus to elevate the function of the Senate. In my opinion, Rais is more deserving of the appointment of Dewan Rakyat speaker than Azizan Harun who is seen as still failing to find the rhythm in managing the business of Dewan Rakyat.

Emerging policy debate culture 

To enhance the function of the Dewan Negara, several caucuses have been established for senators to participate in formulating government policy, especially in the aspects of check and balance. 

The caucus, set up by the Pakatan Harapan government and chaired by Senator Yusmadi Yusoff, has also set up the Covid-19 Working Group and the working committee to enact a anti-party hopping law.

Now, the Dewan Negara has established the People’s Welfare Caucus on 15 December 2020. It serves as a group that studies and examines issues related to government and national policy. The caucus is chaired by Datuk Razali and is composed of members of the Senate across political parties. Among the issues that will be studied by this caucus include prison reforms, the empowerment of SUHAKAM, and the current FELDA debt.  

However, the effectiveness of the Dewan Negara Caucus is still unclear. Since the Dewan Negara Caucus was established in 2018, the government has not taken seriously the proposal of the Caucus. 

The direction and narrative that the Caucus is still lacking response from organizations and the people. This issue is a major challenge for the Senate to see the reality of society that needs to be put in the form of policy. Hence, how effective will the Caucus be in improving government policy? 

The function of the Senate is undergoing a phase of change. This momentum should be the basis for efforts to remove the ‘rubber stamp’ image of the Dewan Negara. However, is this change enough to place the Dewan Negara as an important institution for the people?

Pursuing the change agenda 

It is not fair if leaders and people are skeptical in evaluating or making negative initial assumptions about the changes that are taking place in the Dewan Negara. Certainly, this institution will face various challenges that need to be faced to ensure that the Dewan Negara is still relevant in bringing the narrative of a democratic institution that works in the minds of the people.  

Senators themselves need to prove that they can carry out the trust to resolve the issues of the people and the country. They need to be more aggressive in conveying policy ideas, as Rais Yatim expressed that “Members of the Senate are not silent legislators”.

In an unstable political situation, the Dewan Negara can be highlighted as an institution that emphasizes the principle of co-governing in dealing with the issues of the people and the country. The new dynamics of the Upper House of Malaysia need to build mature cooperation with the government to rebuild a better foundation in policy-making for the rakyat.

The spirit of this joint administration can be achieved by establishing a Special Select Committee (JPK) system. The establishment of JPK is based on issues and the ministry needs to be the New Norma in the Dewan Negara. Through the establishment of this JPK, it will provide space and access for members of the Senate to check the transparency of the government in policy implementation. 

Armed with their experience and skills, of course, the aspects of criticism and suggestions in JPK can improve government policy. It will be a great loss if the ability of members of the Senate is not utilized by their involvement in a JPK.  

* Fakhrurrazi Rashid is a research coordinator at Research for Social Advancement (REFSA), a progressive think-tank in Malaysia.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.