The Dewan Negara’s First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament ended on Thursday, April 4, after a three-week sitting that began on March 18. During this session, a total of 17 Bills were approved by the Senate.
Among the Bills approved were the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Amendment) Bill 2023, the Supplementary Supply (2023) 2024 Bill, the Supply (Reallocation of Appropriated Expenditure) Bill 2024, and the Universities and University Colleges (Amendment) Bill 2023, as well as the Cyber Security Bill 2024.
Other Bills that received approval include the Unclaimed Moneys (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Police (Amendment) Bill 2024, and the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Bill 2023. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill 2023 and the Electricity Supply (Amendment) Bill 2023 were also among those passed.
In his closing speech, Senate president Datuk Mutang Tagal noted that this session made history with a substantive amendment during the Committee stage, showcasing the Senate’s role in the legislative process as a check-and-balance mechanism in the country. He commended the senators for their active involvement.
Mutang praised the senators for their participation in the debates on the motion of thanks for the royal address and the bills, emphasizing that this engagement enhanced the credibility of the Senate and dispelled the notion that it is merely a “rubber stamp”.
A total of 52 senators partook in the debate on the royal address, discussing issues related to 28 ministries, including the Prime Minister’s Department. Additionally, around 87 per cent of the members, totaling 46 individuals, participated in the debates on the 17 approved bills.
Wishing all Muslims a joyful Aidilfitri celebration with their families and loved ones, Mutang suggested fostering goodwill by visiting each other during this festive season to strengthen the spirit of unity among the senators.
