KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Langat MP Datuk Xavier Jayakumar has questioned the need for special select committees to continue having meetings, following the suspension of Parliament due to the emergency order.
Xavier, who is part of the health, science and innovation committee, told The Vibes that having such meetings at this juncture will not be purposeful, as matters decided during these meets cannot be tabled in Parliament.
“Parliament is suspended due to the emergency, but these meetings are supposed to be held via online platforms.
“How are the committee members, or myself, be able to play our part if we can’t take decisions beyond Parliament?
“How about time-sensitive related decisions? Are we supposed to wait until August before any recommendations are tabled?”
He said his committee’s function is critical amid the Covid-19 pandemic, such as giving input on the approach taken by the government and scrutinising its effectiveness, especially regarding the vaccine distribution programme.
The former water, land and natural resources minister questioned whether Parliament has been truly suspended.
“It is amazing to find that the Dewan Rakyat speaker (Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun) is supportive of the emergency declaration and suspension of Parliament, but allows parliamentary select committee meetings to continue.
“In this instance, is Parliament truly suspended?”
In light of this, Xavier said he will not attend any meeting until he receives clarification on the matter.
“I was supposed to take part in an online meeting yesterday at 2pm, but I opted to not attend.”
The PKR lawmaker’s sentiment, however, is not shared by Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii of DAP.
While admitting that the situation is not ideal, Dr Yii, who chairs the committee, told The Vibes that the committee will continue to scrutinise government policies, such as the looming national vaccination plan, using available means.
“Yesterday’s meeting saw us decide that the committee will receive briefings from both the Health Ministry and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry on these plans.
“One way or the other, the government’s actions must be scrutinised, so that the plans executed by it can effectively reach the masses. Our input is key.”
Similar in form and function to select committees in the United Kingdom Parliament, Malaysia’s special select committees are empowered to inquire ministers, civil servants and experts to address issues when required.
In addition to Xavier and Dr Yii, the other committee members are Yamani Hafez Musa (Bersatu-Sipitang), Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim (Umno-Baling), Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (Umno-Kinabatangan), Lukanisman Awang Sauni (GPS-Sibuti) and Wan Hassan Mohd Ramli (PAS-Dungun). – The Vibes, January 14, 2021
