Senator Susan Chemerai Anding proposed an increase in the number of senators in the Dewan Negara on Monday (Dec 4), in line with parliamentary reforms to strengthen the legislative body. She highlighted the need to increase the number of Senators, currently at 70, to ensure the effectiveness of the check and balance role, considering the 222 Members of Parliament in the Dewan Rakyat.
She further suggested that the government should consider increasing the number of Senators to strengthen the Parliament institution, emphasizing the low female representation with only 10 female senators out of 70, recording just 16 per cent of the total members.
Senator Anding made these comments during a debate on the Supply Bill 2024 in the Upper House.
Looking back, Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar had said in July that the government could increase the quota of senators elected from each state from two to three if necessary, in accordance with Article 45 (1) (a) of the Federal Constitution.
Senator Susan also raised the issue of the latest status of plans for parliamentary reforms, such as the enactment of the Parliament Services Act to achieve the separation of powers between the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.
Another Senator, Datuk Mohd Hatta Ramli, highlighted the need to boost the local agriculture industry in the north and eastern coasts of the country and bordering neighbouring countries through integrated efforts involving stakeholders for food security. He also mentioned the importance of leveraging good bilateral relations with neighbouring countries, particularly Thailand, which has a progressive agriculture industry.
The Dewan Negara will convene again on Tuesday (Nov 5). – Bernama
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