PM & Cabinet take historic step in democratic process with 7 Parliamentary & Government Administration reforms proposal

Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri’s announcement on the proposed 7 major Parliamentary and Government Administration Reforms is most welcome as these institutional reforms will advance the democratisation process of our country, create a better place for everyone and the future generations. A political environment rooted on democracy, progress and justice are values which all Malaysians aspire for.

The slew of proposed institutional and Parliamentary reforms which the Cabinet has agreed and committed to undertake include an anti-party hopping Bill, Undi 18, limiting the Prime Minister’s tenure to 10 years, and, equal representation in Parliamentary Select Committees to include Backbenchers and Opposition MPs. These key reforms have been pursued by both the ruling and Opposition parties and are conducive for the further improvement of our country’s democratic and Parliamentary system based on the Federal Constitution. This is a historic shift in institutional reforms undertaken by our Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

Recently, MCA Secretary General Datuk Chong Sin Woon proposed a House of Representatives Recall Act to resolve the problem of party-hopping MPs which has plagued our nation for decades, in particular, since 2018. It is hoped that the Cabinet’s decision to table an anti-party hopping Bill in Parliament, will clear out the damage inflicted on our democratic elections and the destruction of political stability due to the culture of party-hopping MPs.

We therefore call upon all ruling and Opposition MPs to cast aside their differences and partisanship, and jointly support and realise the 7 reforms so that they will be passed and implemented smoothly. With the ruling and Opposition parties and everyone united, the Covid-19 pandemic can be tackled whilst the economy can be restored. The primary focus would be on protecting people’s live and livelihoods.

In addition to the 4 reforms proposed above, the entire 7 reforms mooted by the Prime Minister and Cabinet also encompass: all Bills, including the Supply Bill, will be negotiated and mutually agreed upon; All Opposition MPs will be involved in the National Recovery Council and the Opposition Leader will be given perks and facilities equal to that of a Federal Minister.

Datuk Tan Teik Cheng
MCA Vice President

-MCA Online-