KUALA LUMPUR: DAP's Nga Kor Ming has proposed 10 Parliamentary reforms, including institutionalising the motion of confidence and enacting a new anti-hopping law, if he is elected the Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker next week.
The Teluk Intan member of Parliament who held the post during the Pakatan Harapan administration, said his proposals for Parliamentary reform was to transform the august house into a world-class institution.
In a statement today, Nga said he would advocate and work towards his 10-point Parliamentary reform to demonstrate the democratic spirit, should he be given the mandate by members of Parliament (MP) next week.
"The Parliamentary reforms proposed will (include) allow Parliament as a legislative arm to gain financial independence, have its own Parliamentary service, a periodic review of government bills, scrutinising government budget, addressing local constituency problems, and play a major role in check and balances against the government in line with the doctrine of separation of powers," he said.
Among his 10-point reforms, Nga proposed that Parliament should amend its Standing Order, requiring the new Prime Minister to submit a motion of confidence to the house within 30 days of being sworn in, to ensure his legitimacy as the premier.
He also suggested that Parliament enact a new anti-hopping law, which would include a recall election for the particular constituency, returning the power to the people whose mandate must be given due respect.
Nga aims to reintroduce the Parliamentary Services Act, which was repealed in 1992, but advocated by the Pakatan Harapan government in 2018.
The draft of the bill had been completed under the leadership of then Speaker Tan Sri Mohd Arif Yusof, he said, and should be tabled in Parliament by year-end to ensure the lower house was financially and administratively independent of the executive, preventing it from becoming a "rubber stamp".
He proposed a special select committee for budget review, to ensure the government's annual budget of more than RM320 billion was transparent and accountable.
Nga added that this committee would comprise 51 per cent members of Parliament from the ruling government, and 49 per cent from the opposition, reflecting the current composition of MPs.
"The special select committee should do a periodic review of the government's budget to avoid wastage and leakages," adding that a special select committee should also be formed to vet any government bill.
He also proposed for Parliament to set up a "second chamber", which would discuss specific issues faced by various constituencies so relevant ministers can answer MPs' questions and provide solutions directly.
Parliament, he suggested, must also set a minimum number of days for sitting to ensure all MPs played their part, and proposed that the attendance of all MPs should be announced publicly to be accountable to voters.
Nga also proposed to broadcast Public Account Committee meetings live to enhance transparency, and also proposed the Parliamentary opposition leader be accorded ministerial status.
"However, the opposition leader's office must announce its expenses every year to demonstrate transparency and to accept public scrutiny."
He also suggested that a special select committee on environmental, social and corporate governance be set up, adding that environmental protection and sustainable goals were important agendas in nation building.