THE first parliament sitting after the May 9 elections has been more open and transparent, said members of parliament from both sides of the political divide.

Controversial questions are no longer brushed away since Pakatan Harapan took over, said three-term MP Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PAS-Rantau Panjang).

“When Barisan Nasional was in government, all the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) questions were either thrown out or unanswered. Even if we asked, it wouldn’t be answered.

“So, in that regard all the sensitive questions that are important for voters are answered,” she said.

In the previous sittings, former speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia repeatedly rejected questions pertaining to the scandal-ridden sovereign wealth fund.

In an effort to contain the fallout over 1MDB, a former deputy minister had even labelled foreign reporting on it as “fake news”.

However, new Dewan Rakyat Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof lifted the ban on 1MDB last week and allowed MPs to discuss the issue in Parliament. 

Lawmakers, however, are not permitted to discuss the merits of the ongoing criminal case against former prime minister Najib Razak.

Committees for new laws

Another noticeable change in the new Dewan Rakyat sitting is the quality of debates, said Noraini Ahmad (BN-Parit Sulong).

“The debates from both sides are more engaging and more interesting,” said the three-term lawmaker.

Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister R. Sivarasa said the improvement in debates was part of the new government’s promise to be more open and transparent in its dealings.

“Information given is clearer now but the bigger changes that involve amending the Standing Orders are yet to come as the new speaker needs time to settle in,” said the Sg Buloh MP.

Sivarasa, also a three-term MP, said the structural changes include setting up standing committees to monitor ministries and committees for laws.

“One change was appointing an opposition MP as the Public Accounts Committee chairman,” he said.

Former deputy speaker Ronald Kiandee (BN-Beluran) made history when he became the first opposition to be elected as the PAC chairman on Monday.

Sivarasa said Parliament is also planning to set up committees to vet new bills and major amendments to existing laws.

“This, however, involves amending the Standing Orders and will take a bit of time.”

Siti Zailah welcomed the move to have committees to vet new bills before they are tabled in Parliament.

“Too many laws were rushed through by the previous government. The standing committee will allow for thorough discussion and include the views of the opposition,” said the PAS Women’s chief.

Umno Women’s head Noraini Ahmad said she would also welcome the chance to sit on one of these committees.

“Under the new Malaysia, such engagements should include the opposition. And our party president accepts proposals for me to be on the committee, I don’t mind assisting,” said Noraini.

Harping on the past

One concern which Noraini and Siti Zailah hold about some of the ministers’ replies in Parliament is that too much blame appears to be placed on the previous government for shortcomings of respective ministries.

“Pakatan seems to be always faulting the previous government for the problems. It’s okay for now, but they will have to move on at some point in time,” said Siti Zailah.

“When BN was government, it tended to couch the answers and gave vague answers. But the new government’s replies are always about things being reviewed or studied,” said the two-term senator from 2000-2006.

But Siti Zailah welcomed the new government that was more transparent in its answers.

“The government doesn’t always have to show it is great by pretending everything is okay when it’s not,” she added.

Noraini conceded that some of the ministers’ answers were satisfactory as they were straightforward.

“But others were a bit political. We have accepted that we have lost. So, they, too, will have to move on eventually,” Noraini said. – August 10, 2018.