PETALING JAYA: Policy experts emphasize the importance of the government fulfilling its commitment to table Bills, particularly those related to promised reforms, in Parliament, even if delays are sometimes inevitable. However, they stress the need for transparency regarding the reasons for the delay, especially when the laws in question involve public interests that require thorough deliberation and time.
Among the pending laws are the Generational End Game (GEG) Bill, which proposes a ban on the sale of tobacco products and vape to individuals born after January 1, 2007, the revival of the Parliamentary Services Act, amendments to the Federal Constitution concerning the citizenship of children born to Malaysian mothers overseas, and the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA).
According to Prof Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University, there are two main reasons for delays in tabling these Bills. The first reason is the lack of political will, while the second reason is legitimate differences in policy details that require extensive deliberation. If negotiations with accountable authorities, such as a Parliamentary Select Committee, are on schedule, then the delay would likely be acceptable, as rushing could lead to hasty solutions.
Wong supports submitting the Generational End Game Bill to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) but emphasizes the need for publicly announced timetables and roadmaps for negotiations. Without these, consultations may just be a tactic to delay progress. Wong further argues that civil groups should be allowed to produce Private Member’s Bills to avoid politicians and legal officials using the excuse of needing more time to study details.
Dr Azmi Hassan, a political analyst and senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, notes that recent government changes have also contributed to the delay of some Bills. Rapid changes in governments have left civil servants uncertain about the direction to take, as they must adhere to the government’s directives.
Sivarasa Rasiah, Selangor PKR vice-chairman and PKR Legal Bureau national chair, suggests that delays sometimes serve to prevent Bills from backfiring during voting. The GEG Bill, for example, faced pushback even after the first PSSC process, highlighting the need for careful consideration and negotiation. Rasiah also advocates for town halls, closed-door discussions with subject matter experts, and select committees to ensure public input and expert perspectives on proposed Acts.
Overall, experts argue that while delays may occur, the government should remain committed to tabling Bills and ensure transparency in the process, particularly for laws related to promised reforms and public interests.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
