KUALA LUMPUR – The 10 parliamentary special select committees formed by the previous Pakatan Harapan government will be disbanded and replaced by nine new ones.
The motion, tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law) Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan in the Dewan Rakyat today, was passed via a simple voice vote.
Among the prominent committees to be abolished are those on budget, gender equality, state and federal relations, and the environment.
Takiyuddin said there are no specific select committees replacing the aforementioned ones, but they will be incorporated into one of the new committees.
“For instance, the special select committee on state and federal relations. I was told that a new committee with a huge scope has been formed, namely one on fundamental and parliamentary rights.
“The new committees are a combination of the previous committees. I don’t think there are any elements left out. Instead, they are being integrated.”
The 10 discontinued committees are on consideration of bills; budget; defence and home affairs; gender equality and family development; state and federal relations; major public appointments; elections; human rights and constitutional affairs; international relations and trade; and, science, innovation and the environment.
The nine new committees, meanwhile, are on fundamental and parliamentary rights; finance and economy; security; agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department; agriculture and domestic trade; infrastructure development; education; health, science and innovation; and, women and children’s affairs and social development.
Takiyuddin said the select committees will each comprise seven members, including the chairman.
And, he said, some will be chaired by the opposition.
“The composition (of government and opposition MPs in each committee) has yet to be finalised. But I was made to understand that a number of them will be given to the opposition.”
During PH’s time in office, all but one of the committees were chaired by government backbenchers.
Takiyuddin said decisions on the select committees were made by the 14th Parliament House Committee, chaired by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun, following five meetings held since August.
He said the committees will have the power to summon any individual for questioning in relation to matters under their purview.
“Reports and statements from inquiries conducted by the committees must be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat, and may be debated and approved by the House.”
He added that the existing bipartisan All Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia will remain. – The Vibes, November 11, 2020
