Bipartisan committee needs more power to scrutinise ministries, summon anyone, says expert

PETALING JAYA - An expert has suggested to further empower Parliamentary Select Committees (PSC) to scrutinise ministries, and to summon anyone to the bi-partisan meetings,

This comes after inconsistencies in appointments of ministers to chair Parliamentary ad-hoc meetings in 2004, 2011 and 2012, political scientist Wong Chin Huat during a Bersih media workshop on parliamentary reforms yesterday.

He said the most critical was the amendments to Standing Orders, which he said must focus on expanding the powers of PSCs, improving the selection process of members and institutionalising the opposition.

This ensures transparency, he said. “The role and power of the PSCs under the Standing Orders should be expanded to enable them to exercise meaningful oversight and legislative function.

Among the powers recommended are in ensuring PSCs authority to summon witnesses when necessary.

Additionally, PSCs should be permitted to participate in the public appointment process to ensure effectiveness and transparency.

Wong also explained that the leader of the Opposition's status should be equal to that of ministers.

“Increased flexibility of meetings will allow the PSCs to hold their meetings both on and off the premises of the Parliament.

“This amendment to Standing Order 83 (5A) would be pertinent to the present pandemic situation because the PSCs will be able to have their meetings outside of Parliament's premises and online,” he said during a press conference.

He also suggested that a Special Select Committee for Consideration of Bills and Budget should be formed to encourage the participation of those affected to allow an in-depth, constructive, systematic and non-partisan scrutiny of draft bills.

Adequate financial aid was also crucial to function efficiently, he said, the aid should cover expenses of a meeting, transportation, accommodation, site visits, engaging of advisors and experts, and any other related activities.

He urged Parliament to expand the committee's secretariat, including having an adequate number of researchers, experts, clerks and support staff.

“This secretariat will coordinate and support the work of all PSCs. With regards to parliamentary researchers, the current numbers are inadequate,” he said.