Will parliamentarians have sufficient time to study the much-awaited bills on the proposed Malaysian Commission on Anti-Corruption (MCAC) and the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC)?

MPs contacted said they have yet to see the bills, even though they are expected to debate the proposed formation of the MCAC and JAC next week.

malaysia parliament parlimen According to media reports, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is expected to table the two bills for the first reading when the Dewan Rakyat reconvenes tomorrow.

A copy of the bills is usually circulated to MPs after the first reading. They then take part in the debate during the second reading, which is expected in this case to be done next week.

The bills are expected to be passed at the end of the current parliamentary sitting next Thursday. The proceedings, initially slated to end this Thursday, have been extended by four days to allow for passage of the two bills.

With so little time available for MPs to study these, though, there is concern in their midst - particular since the MCAC and JAC are intended to deliver the much-vaunted reforms pledged by Abdullah before he leaves office next March.

lim kit siang 201108 “It is clearly too short and quite impossible for MPs to have consultation with stakeholders, given that the two bills were promised by Abdullah after the March 2008 general election,” said DAP veteran opposition MP Lim Kit Siang and Ipoh Timor MP, when contacted.

“The government could have made the bills available much earlier to allow MPs to do a proper study. It shouldn’t be a shotgun process.”

Ways to overcome problem

Backbencher Abdul Rahman Dahlan, the Barisan Nasional representative for Kota Belud, also said it would be better for MPs to be given the bills earlier.

He was asked whether parliamentarians would be sufficiently prepared to debate the bills over the short period allocated.

abdul rahman dahlan “If we can get it earlier, of course it would be better, but this is the government’s prerogative. It does not go against any law (to distribute the bills later),” he said, quipping that MPs are used to working within a short deadline.

“Although I have not seen the bills, I think everybody has some idea (of the content) based on media reports and what has been said by the prime minister.”

On the short period allocated for debate, Abdul Rahman - also Umno Youth secretary - said if the need arises, the proceedings can be extended daily to allow more MPs to have their say.

“(MPs should also be aware that) it is not necessary for them to repeat points during the debate, we can focus on new issues (yet to be raised by others),” he added.

pak lah abdullah badawi aca bpr 190408 Abdullah had announced the formation of the MCAC in April to show his seriousness in fighting corruption. The new body will replace the Anti-Corruption Agency, possibly from next year.

The proposed MCAC will table its annual report to a parliamentary committee on the prevention of corruption, which will have the power to seek clarification and explanations.

An independent corruption prevention advisory board will be established to advise the MCAC on administrative and operational matters and on cases of public interest.

The proposed JAC will look into the appointment and promotion of judges, to overcome current perceptions of undue influence by the Executive in such matters.