Another attempt to erode the powers of Parliament

Why do we need a Department of Parliament and how necessary is it? No convincing reasons have been given for this move.

From the newspapers, we gather that the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of Parliamentary Affairs, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz, felt slighted because the Parliament secretaries ignored him when he had conveyed a new cabinet ruling concerning MPs' expense claims. So, it appears that he wants someone appointed in the newly created Department of Parliament who will come under his jurisdiction. It is all about power and control - and nothing else!

Nazri is also quoted as having said, "Don't tell me each time an MP complains about toilets here, or where an MP comes up and complains about the quality of food being served, the Dewan Rakyat secretary has to look into it." Is this reason enough to create a whole Department and appoint a director-general to look after the toilets and canteen food? This is ridiculous!

We need some honest answers for this move. Why a Department of Parliament, Nazri? It would appear that a bureaucracy is necessary to undermine and destroy the doctrine of separation of powers - a doctrine that entrenches the independence of Parliament.

Transparency International Malaysia president Datuk Param Cumaraswamy raised a valid and relevant question: "What is wrong with the present management of the affairs of Parliament?"

Are the toilets stinking that badly? Is the canteen food that horrible, Nazri?

You cannot fool the public. It is becoming evidently clear that this is an attempt to encroach into the hallowed grounds of Parliamentary independence. It is yet another attempt to erode the powers of Parliament and make it a meaningless institution.

If Parliamentarians don't rise up to defend the dignity of Parliament, who else will? They should insist that this troubling issue with grave implications be thoroughly debated. The Back-Benchers Club should initiate this move to safeguard the independence of Parliament and protect its dignity.


P Ramakrishnan
President
11 October 2005

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