KUALA LUMPUR – Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim and Susan Chemerai Andling have been retained as part of the upper house’s selection committee.
The other three committee members are Datuk Dr Ahmad Azam Hamzah (PKR), Datuk A. Kesavadas Nair (DAP) and Tan Sri Mohamad Fatmi Che Salleh (Umno).
This was after the motion to appoint them was approved in Dewan Negara without debate as per the convention.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law) Ramkarpal Singh tabled the motion to appoint these five members of the Dewan Negara.
“It is hoped that the special committee can carry out its duties efficiently. In addition, taking the current situation, we must show to the people and all stakeholders that Dewan Negara can continue to carry out its duties in accordance with the provisions in the federal constitution,” Rais said after Ramkarpal had tabled the motion.
Both Rais, who is from Bersatu, and Susan, who is PBB Women honorary secretary, were in the selection committee previously.
Rais said he and Ramkarpal had also discussed reviving the Parliamentary Services Act 1963, amending the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952, and formulating a Code of Ethics for Members of Parliament (MPs).
“The acts were supposed to be tabled on November 15 and 16 but as the Dewan Rakyat was dissolved on October 10, it was put on hold.”
He added that the transformation plan for the Malaysian Parliament can be expedited with the selection committee. – The Vibes, December 21, 2022
