JOHOR BARU – Amendments to the Sustainable Energy Development Authority Act 2011 would bestow unfettered powers upon the natural resources, environment and climate change minister, said Kapar MP Dr Halimah Ali.
The PAS politician pointed out that the new provision would award the minister powers to suspend part or the entirety of the legislation through a gazetted order.
When debating the bill today, she said the Health Ministry’s decision last month to exempt nicotine as a controlled substance under the Poisons Act 1952 is controversial, as medical professionals have advised against it.
“We want good governance because absolute power corrupts.
“I would like to repeat that I am not questioning the intention of the minister. But wouldn’t it be better if such powers are decided collectively by cabinet?
“I am not saying this for the current minister, but for future ministers as well who will hold such powers,” Dr Halimah said.
Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad responded to the questions by the opposition, acknowledging there are causes for concern.
However, he pointed out that there are other legislations with similar clauses such as the Local Government Act 1976, which gives the state authority powers to exclude local authorities from using provisions in the legislation.
Further, Nik Nazmi also highlighted that the amendments were approved by the Attorney-General’s Chambers at the end of 2020, whereby the opposition themselves were in government.
“At the government level, the amendments were approved by the Attorney-General’s Chambers at the end of 2020.
“So, I find it hilarious that those who are opposing this were the ones who agreed to this when they were in government then,” Nik Nazmi said. – The Vibes, May 25, 2023
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