As the nation is discussing the reconvening of Parliament, it is important to investigate what Parliament can and should do in policymaking.
Unlike parliaments in the UK and Canada, which meet some 135-150 days a year, the Malaysian Parliament meets only around 60-70 days a year.
In the UK House of Commons, every ministerial portfolio is subject to scrutiny by one parliamentary select committee, and every MP who is not a member of the administration or shadow cabinet sits on at least one parliamentary select committee.
In sharp contrast, Malaysia has 31 ministerial portfolios in the cabinet but only nine parliamentary special select committees, excluding at least 14 ministries including environment, foreign affairs, communications and East Malaysian affairs.
This webinar is organised by Sunway University, the Jeffrey Sachs Center for on Sustainable Development and Asli.
Panel members:
- Azalina Othman Said, Deputy Speaker, Dewan Rakyat
- Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, Special Select Committee on Health, Science and Innovation, Dewan Rakyat
- Mazuki Mohamad, principal private secretary, Prime Minister’s Office
- Maha Balakrishnan, parliamentary and legal consultant
- Moderator: Prof Wong Chin Huat, professor of governance studies, Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development
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