KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 — Electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 and a local think tank Institute for Political Reform and Democracy today called on the new government to introduce a new law to safeguard Parliament as a free and independent national institution.
One major effect of the repeal saw Parliament’s finances placed under control of the executive arm of government. That means it is subject to approval and can be cut by the Ministry of Finance. In an online forum held after the report presentation, Liew Chin Tong related that Parliament’s independence was eroded over the years after 1992.
He said that with these changes, Parliament officials could be changed out and highlighted the “demotion” of former Dewan Rakyat secretary Riduan Rahmat who was replaced last year by the government. “We heard that once, when the Parliament needed to change the lights, they took time as they needed to apply from the National Treasury. That is only a small thing.Another forum panellist, Aira Azhari, said the suggestion could also help talented youths to get their footholds and the career to bolster Parliament’s research department.“Increase the research section in Parliament, interested young people can apply there.