Parliament to Get Its Own "Cabinet" to Determine Expenditures and Policies
Reforms to Empower Parliament
PETALING JAYA: Parliament will soon have its own "cabinet" to determine expenditures and policies as part of reforms proposed in a bill tabled this week, according to the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Johari Abdul.
Parliamentary Council to Play Key Role
The proposed parliamentary council, to be jointly chaired by the Dewan Rakyat Speaker and the president of the Dewan Negara (Senate), will play the role of Parliament’s "cabinet". The council will be responsible for deciding on the expenditures of the two houses of Parliament, as well as setting up select committees and caucuses.
Separation of Power
Johari said the bill will ensure the separation of power between the legislative and executive branches of government. "We will govern what is happening, including setting our own policies," he said.
Proposed Council Composition
The proposed council will include the deputy president of the Senate, two deputy speakers of the House, two senators, four MPs, the secretaries of the two houses, and three ex-officio members – the secretary-general of the Treasury, the director-general of public services, and the chief administrator of Parliament.
Empowering Parliament
Johari said the bill seeks to empower the two houses to discuss and amend their statutes and provisions, which currently fall under the purview of the prime minister’s Cabinet.
Hybrid Model for Employment of Parliamentary Staff
About a third of parliamentary staff have opted to join the new parliamentary service proposed in the bill, according to the parliamentary administrator’s office. A "hybrid model" for employment of parliamentary staff has been introduced, which would accommodate the 67% of staff who wish to remain in their current posts as part of the civil service. The hybrid model would allow the management of human resources, administration and finances to be handled by civil service officers, while the management of the two chambers and parliamentary select committees will be handled by a separate service committee.
Conclusion
The proposed reforms aim to ensure a balance between specialisation and administrative and operational efficiency in the management of Parliament. The new parliamentary council will play a crucial role in determining expenditures and policies, and empowering the two houses of Parliament to discuss and amend their statutes and provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the proposed parliamentary council?
The proposed parliamentary council will be responsible for deciding on the expenditures of the two houses of Parliament, as well as setting up select committees and caucuses. - Who will be part of the proposed council?
The proposed council will include the deputy president of the Senate, two deputy speakers of the House, two senators, four MPs, the secretaries of the two houses, and three ex-officio members – the secretary-general of the Treasury, the director-general of public services, and the chief administrator of Parliament. - What is the hybrid model for employment of parliamentary staff?
The hybrid model will allow the management of human resources, administration and finances to be handled by civil service officers, while the management of the two chambers and parliamentary select committees will be handled by a separate service committee.