Parliamentary Reforms, MA63 among top priority

2021-09-07 06:50:39 0 Comments 96886 view

By Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia--Transformation in the government sector, transformation in parliament as well as looking into the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63) would be the top three priorities for the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department’s (Parliament and Law) in setting its 100 days KPI.

Its minister Dato Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said he had discussed the matter with the Prime Minister Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, yesterday, and the premier had principally agreed for the ministry to look into these transformation plans.

He said it is indeed timely to carry out the necessary improvements and transformation in the current government and parliament systems in order to suite the current social and political situation as well as to be more equip in dealing with modern day challenges.

In addition, he is also committed to closely examine the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in an effort to reinstate the rights of the people in Sabah and Sarawak as agreed under the MA63.

“The MA63 is an issue that is close to my heart and this will be one of my priorities. I have already met with the Sarawak AG and communicated with Sabah AG regarding this matter,” said Dr Wan Junaidi adding that he will
look into the common ground between Sarawak and Sabah to approach for the solution.

On parliament transformation, Dr Wan Junaidi had met with both Yang diPertua Dewan Negara YB Senator Tan Sri Dato' Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim and Yang di-Pertua Dewan Rakyat YB Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun last week to discuss this matter.

The transformation will focus on two main areas, which are :

i) To re-introduce the Parliamentary Service Act which will be more comprehensive to give independence to Parliament and;

ii) Proposal to create a new act of parliament replace The Houses of Parliament Privilege & Powers Act 1952(revised 1988)

“I am indeed happy that both Speakers are very positive with the proposal and have even given their commitment to take on the lead role in the transformation of our parliament.

In line with this, we have also agreed to form a joint-committee between parliament and the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) to ensure that the various proposals discussed can be executed swiftly,” he added.