DEBATE and democracy are intertwined, delivering a well-functioning structure and strong political governance central to economic development.

Parliament is the legislative body in Malaysia responsible for passing, amending, and repealing laws, which are debated upon by MPs.

Before any bill can be passed, it must be first debated. Hence, the Dewan Rakyat Standing Order (DRSO) is a set of rules made pursuant to article 62(1) of the Federal Constitution to regulate parliamentary procedure.

Under the DRSO, a bill goes through readings in both houses. The bill is usually tabled before the Dewan Rakyat first. It takes three readings. This procedure falls under order 48 of the DRSO.

The first reading is on the proposed bill. Then, the second reading is where the MPs will discuss and debate the bill.

This is where the MPs can seek explanations, propose amendments or oppose it. Finally, the third reading is where the bill is submitted for voting.

As such, under the DRSO, orders 35 to 75 cater to the rules of debate. The DRSO lays the manner, procedure, and the direction of how the motion is debated.

Thus, the DRSO is the proof of how our democracy functions, where debates in parliament are televised and closely followed by the public.

An open debate before the election was never a practice in Malaysia but this is certainly a practice in other countries, like the United Kingdom.

However, we can’t totally rule out the fact that Malaysia never had any open debate before.

There was an open debate aired between Anwar Ibrahim and disgraced Najib Razak, a few months back, on Sapura Energy Sdn. Bhd.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob mentioned that debate is not our culture and such has never been done, since it’s not beneficial.

Well, I beg to differ.

Perhaps as a progressive and democratic country, debating allows us to channel our thoughts for its development.

When debate is very much an integrated part of our parliamentary system, why can’t it be practised openly before the election? – October 26, 2022.

* Matilda George reads The Malaysian Insight.

* 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.