THE newly formed multiparty caucus, consisting of MPs from across the divide, is set to push for reforms and the introduction of a Parliamentary Services Act to allow the House autonomy to self manage.
PKR’s Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah and Umno’s Pengerang MP Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said are co-coveners for the caucus.
Chin vowed to review the Standing Orders in order to better instil discipline among MPs and to improve the quality of debates.
Her co-convenor of the Parliamentary Caucus for Multi-Party Democracy is Umno’s Pengerang MP Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
Chin said the shouting match yesterday involving Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman using vulgar words was a good example of the need to inculcate statesmanship for MPs.
She said they wanted to show the public they were above such behaviour and would walk the talk in carrying out their duties and responsibilities as MPs.
“Secondly, is the (introduction) of the Parliamentary Services Act (PSA) to give autonomy to Parliament to manage its own affairs, including budgetary matters,” Chin told The Star.
Chin added that it was important to start the conversation about what Parliamentary democracy means.
Meanwhile, Julau MP Larry Sng, who was among the 13-member caucus, said he hoped they could strengthen existing Standing Orders and set the stage for more bipartisan support for Parliamentary reforms.
At a press conference in parliament yesterday, Azalina also said the caucus would not be bound by rigid procedures that parliamentary committees had to follow.
“This caucus aims to encourage a healthy and competitive democracy,” added Azalina.
Electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 is set to serve as the secretariat of the caucus, and its chairman Thomas Fann said the caucus would meet at least once a month.