Give opposition leader role in setting Dewan Rakyat agenda, says Saifuddin

The opposition leader should have a role in determining the Dewan Rakyat’s order of business to deepen political consultation and strengthen democratic governance, says Wawasan secretary-general Saifuddin Abdullah.

Writing in his Merentas Ruang column in Sinar Harian, the Indera Mahkota MP and former foreign minister said the time was right to develop the concept of syura, or consultation, in various democratic processes.

“This should include greater consultation with parliamentary select committees in the legislative process, and give the opposition leader a role in determining the Dewan Rakyat’s agenda,” he said.

Wawasan president and Larut MP Hamzah Zainudin is currently the opposition leader.

Saifuddin also called for a consultative mechanism to review eligibility and nomination requirements for Dewan Negara senators, as well as reforms to address the Senate’s reputation as a “rubber stamp” for government bills.

He said similar consultative processes could be implemented to review the eligibility criteria for local authority members.

Saifuddin also called for more state assemblies to create opposition leader positions and select committees, and increase the number of sittings per session.