KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat is set to undergo significant changes in the coming year, with new Bills expected to be tabled and amendments to be made to the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952. Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul announced that these changes would include increasing fines for unparliamentary behavior from RM1,000 to a maximum of RM10,000. Senate President Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has expressed support for these changes, and it is expected that the amended Act will be enforced next year. In addition, proposals have been made to extend the lengths of suspensions imposed on MPs for making inappropriate remarks during Parliament sittings.
According to Johari, the maximum suspension period for MPs is currently 10 days; however, this could be increased to 30 or 60 days with approval from the House Committee. Once approved, the Rights and Privileges Committee will be responsible for overseeing these suspensions. Parliament is also working on guidelines for decorum in the House for MPs, which are expected to be presented by the end of this year.
Regarding the introduction of stricter fines for unruly behavior by MPs, Johari emphasized the parliament’s intolerance for “nonsense.” He stressed that as MPs receive generous compensation from taxpayers, they are expected to address substantive matters rather than engage in frivolous behavior. Furthermore, he expressed concerns about the wastage of time and taxpayer money caused by disruptive actions during parliamentary sittings. He intends to discuss these issues with his deputies, emphasizing the need for MPs to behave appropriately.
Johari acknowledged that MPs may behave poorly due to the psychological burden of transitioning from government backbenchers to Opposition members after an election loss. Despite this, he highlighted the importance of remaining impartial and providing equal opportunities for government backbenchers and Opposition MPs to speak in the House. His focus is on nation-building and ensuring that MPs contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress.
Johari eagerly anticipates the introduction of the Parliamentary Services Act (PSA), which would provide the parliament with independence and expedite its functions. Although certain procedures must be followed to introduce the PSA, Johari assured Malaysians that there would be no delays. The Cabinet’s approval is currently being sought, and it is expected to be tabled and debated in Parliament during the October meeting. If everything goes smoothly, the new Bill may be enacted next year once approved by the Senate.
Parliamentary affairs were previously overseen by the Prime Minister’s Department following the repeal of the PSA in 1992 by then-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. However, there have been persistent calls from civil society groups to revive the Act and restore the parliament’s independence. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Youth Parliament initiative is set to lower the age limit for candidates, allowing students as young as 16 to participate. This change aims to provide young individuals with two years to understand the election process and democracy before they are eligible to participate in the general election.
A special meeting will be held from Sept 11-19 for a mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan, followed by the next Parliament sitting from Oct 9 to Nov 30, during which Budget 2024 will be tabled, debated, and passed.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
