FORMER Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Nga Kor Ming has proposed 10 parliamentary reforms that he will implement if he is given the mandate by fellow MPs to be the next deputy speaker of the House.

The Teluk Intan MP said the reform proposal would make the Malaysian Parliament a world class institution. 

Nga, who was a deputy speaker during the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration, said the proposed reforms will allow Parliament to gain financial independence and also play a major role in check-and-balance against the government, in line with the doctrine of separation of powers.

Among the proposed reforms include the reintroduction of the repealed Parliamentary Service Act, which was mooted again during the PH era. 
He said former speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof had completed drafting the bill during his time, and proposed that it be tabled in Parliament this year.

“The draft of the bill has been prepared and it should be tabled in parliament by the end of this year to ensure parliament is financially and administratively independent of the executive. 

“The separation of powers will prevent parliament from being a ‘rubber stamp’ of the executive,” he said in a statement today. 

Nga proposed a Special Select Committee in Budget review, comprising 51% government MPs and 49% opposition MPs to ensure more transparency and accountability in the government’s annual budget of more than RM320 billion. 

He said a periodic review of the government’s budget would also avoid wastage and leakages. 

Nga also proposed a Special Select Committee consisting of members from both political divides to vet and review bills.

Nga fourth proposal is a “Second Chamber” to discuss issues faced by various constituencies so that the relevant ministers can answer directly to MPs on the questions raised. 

He added that Parliament must also set a minimum number of days for sitting and that the MP’s attendance must be announced publicly. 

Nga also suggested to have a live broadcast of Public Account Committee (PAC) meetings online. 

He said PH had started this process to improve and empower the PAC, including appointing the opposition party as its chairman. 

In line with the important role played by the opposition, Nga also suggested that the parliamentary opposition leader be given ministerial status, adding that the opposition leader’s office must announce its expenses every year to demonstrate transparency. 

Next, Nga said that the motion of confidence must be institutionalised to ensure that the legitimacy of the prime minister. 

“Parliament must amend the standing order, requiring the new prime minister to submit a motion of confidence to the parliament within 30 days after he has sworn in,” he said. 

Nga’s proposal also includes the enactment of a anti-party hopping law, which includes recall elections. 

He said this would defend the people’s mandate by returning the power to them. 

Finally, he proposed a special committee on environment protection and sustainable goals, adding that it is an important agenda in nation building. 

Parliament will reconvene next week and its election for a deputy speaker will be held on September 14. – September 10, 2021.