Kit Siang moots 'opposition days' in Dewan Rakyat

Planned parliamentary reforms under the present federal administration should include the introduction of “opposition days” in the Dewan Rakyat, said DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang.

Reflecting on his over four decades in Parliament, he said the move - a common feature in Westminster democracies - would allow the federal opposition to play its full role in the government as envisioned in the Federal Constitution.

“I propose parliamentary reforms to include introducing ‘opposition days’ where the opposition will get to decide on the parliamentary business to be transacted.

“A provision of two days of Opposition Days for longer parliamentary meetings and a one-day Opposition Day for shorter parliamentary meetings,” he said in a statement today.

At the same time, Lim also questioned Perikatan Nasional’s move to name Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin as Opposition Leader over Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, both leaders said to be the coalition’s prime minister aspirants.

He noted this was because the Opposition Leader’s position came with ministerial powers.

“How could they (Hadi and Muhyiddin) aspire to be the next prime minister if they are not prepared to undertake the responsibilities of an Opposition Leader?” Lim asked.

While Hamzah was named Opposition Leader, PN named Muhyiddin to lead the coalition’s shadow cabinet, assisted by Hadi.

The shadow cabinet also comprises 26 MPs who will be the opposition’s spokespersons on matters related to each cabinet portfolio.

The first sitting of the 15th parliamentary session will begin tomorrow. This session is scheduled to last for 29 days.

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