In 2004, I had made 12 proposals for parliamentary reform and modernization for Malaysia to have a “First World Parliament” not only in infrastructure, but mindset, culture, practices and performance.
These 12 proposals for First-World Parliament should be adopted as the parliamentary agenda of both the Barisan Nasional and the Opposition in the 12th Parliament when it convenes for its first meeting in May, viz:
- live telecast of parliamentary proceedings;
- daily two-hour question time;
- Prime Minister’s Question Time twice a week;
- Opposition MP heading the Public Accounts Committee (PAC);
- some 30 specialist Parliamentary Select Committees with a Select Committee for every Ministry;
- about ten general Parliamentary Select Committees to produce annual reports on progress, trends and recommendations on national integrity, IT, women’s agenda, environment, mass media, corruption, etc;
- allocation of certain days a week specifically to deal with Opposition business;
research and constituency staffing for MPs;
- an Opposition Deputy Speaker;
- modernization and democratization of Standing Orders;
- code of ethics for all MPs;
- Ministers’ Parliamentary code of conduct.
The political tsunami of March 8, 2008 general election is an unmistakable mandate and demand for far-reaching changes in Malaysia after 50 years of nation-building, including the creation of a vibrant, vigorous and truly representative First-World Parliament.
At the meeting of PKR, PAS and DAP leaders in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday night, I had proposed that PKR President Datin Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail be the Parliamentary Opposition Leader of the new Parliament until Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regains his full civil liberties and is re-elected to Parliament, and the proposal was agreed by the leaders of the three parties.
DAP MPs and I will give full support to Azizah and the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz who is now fully responsible for parliamentary affairs, to turn the Malaysian Parliament into a First-World Parliament – as it is better to be late than never.
#1 by I Malaysian on Thursday, 20 March 2008 - 8:01 pm
Pak Lah has made another silly blunder by appointing Tengku Adnan as UMNO secretary genaral. This is bad as this man’s alleged involvement in Lingam tape case fixing is a big obstacle for a corrupt free government. Another concern is how Zaid Ibrahim could reform judiciary when the black sheep is just next to him and who is protected by Abdullah. YB LKS has to address this as well.
#2 by petestop on Thursday, 20 March 2008 - 8:16 pm
Live telecast is easy to do, just need a broadband connection, a USB webcam and a normal PC.
Check out http://www.sayatv.com
No size limitation like YouTube, you can broadcast 24 hours, 365 days a year.
Most importantly it is FREE !
#3 by PSM on Thursday, 20 March 2008 - 8:47 pm
Bro Lim,
The only way this is going to happen is if the Opposition become the “Government” (maybe when the 13th GE comes along!) or if there is “Divine Intervention”!
Just look ate the recent appointments in the Cabinet & the new UMNO Secretary General…nothing ever changes when it comes to UMNO!
#4 by Damocles on Thursday, 20 March 2008 - 8:48 pm
Do what you can to train up your MPs, Assembly Men & Women for a complete demolition of the BN at the 13th GE.
In some of my previous postings, I have always advocated that the DAP, perhaps with its political partners should go the full distance.
Who knows, with the same no-brainers in government, you may just pull it off!
#5 by musyu99 on Thursday, 20 March 2008 - 9:24 pm
Ai yaa YB,
I dont think Our Honorable Prime Minister, DS Abdullah Badawi Al Tiduri will listen to you.. he only listen to his SIL advise and opinion..
#6 by desmond yong on Thursday, 20 March 2008 - 9:43 pm
IF ONLY PARLIAMENT WOULD ALLOW THE RAKYAT TO VOTE FOR OR AGAINST KIT SIANG’S PROPOSALS !
MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT HAS TO KNOW THAT THE RAKYAT HAVE VOTED TO SEE PARLIAMENT SESSIONS ACCORDING TO WHAT KIT SIANG HAD PROPOSED.
WILL WE HAVE AN OBJECTIVE ORIENTATED GOVERNMENT OR A SUBJECTIVE ONE ?…….
#7 by Loh on Thursday, 20 March 2008 - 10:24 pm
///I Malaysian Says:
Today at 20: 01.36 (2 hours ago)
Pak Lah has made another silly blunder by appointing Tengku Adnan as UMNO secretary genaral. This is bad as this man’s alleged involvement in Lingam tape case fixing is a big obstacle for a corrupt free government.///
What is bad for UMNO is good for the country. UMNO cannot reform from within. It has to die, so that another party interested in the well being of the nation can live.
#8 by raj4msia on Thursday, 20 March 2008 - 10:48 pm
All the changes wouldn’t mean a thing unless the BN MPs are allowed to vote on motions according to their conscience and on the basis of what is good for the rakyat. Right now, the BN MPs are either too scared of being suspended or too grateful to their party to think and vote objectively. This has to change. I hope the current crop of Opposition MPs are mature, liberal and objective enough to vote and argue with the rakyat in mind, and not just oppose all govt motions or support their own.
By the way, I’m new here.
#9 by highhand on Thursday, 20 March 2008 - 10:51 pm
remember to bring umbrella into parliment…………
#10 by otyew on Thursday, 20 March 2008 - 11:10 pm
i would like to know the truth about all the ‘x-files’ in malaysia. is the mongolian lady death is related to…….., is our previous council is ‘clean’ if not, will anyone do something instead of ‘forgetting’ it?….this is some of my wish list for this yr. to know the truth, nothing but the truth……
#11 by alphoti on Thursday, 20 March 2008 - 11:44 pm
Just to add another point. I think Malaysian MPs should be given freedom to vote in Paliament & not just along party line. BN MPs should be allowed to support Opposition’s Motions & vice versa so long as they think the motion is good & beneficial to the country.
Restriction on MPs voting should not be imposed.
#12 by leealex24 on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 12:02 am
It’s a long time coming, but, I hope that the Parliament would not only be an avenue for one party to demonstrate superiority over another but rather utilize the platform and the golden opportunity to debate the most pertinent issues affecting Malaysians today. That is to say that if the opposition suggested something fruitful and positive, the candidates from the ruling party should take it seriously and should think about it carefully before rejecting the idea outright. Avoid the “groupthink” scenario. Sometimes, there could be a brilliant suggestion suggested by someone but, since majority of the people reject it, doesn’t make it a bad idea…:*
#13 by Tim Sng on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 12:40 am
Saudara Lim Senior,
I strongly feel that your bloggers shouldn’t use derogatory language like references of ‘Idiot’ made by TICKLER.
Don’t you moderate your writers? Remember, that you are the GOVERNMENT, together with PKR, PAS in 5 states, and even Wilayah, if there was a state.
You should now rise up to the title of HONOURABLE, and encourage all Malaysians to think Malaysian i.e respect for our leaders, our elders, each other.
Opposition [now government] speech and language must now change. Your bloggists must also be polite in their expression – it is unMalaysian to be racist and derogatory in comments.
If Uncle/Sdr Lim senior allows these messages on your BLOGs, you will be accused of agreeing with such language too. Please……….do some moderation……..or your subeditors need to do it!
Malaysian Malaysian
[A Malaysian Malaysia ensures that all races, all citizens are well looked after, especially and including the Malays and Orang Aslis. Therefore, the concept of Malaysian Malaysia should never be a threat to Malays and should never be construed as being against the NEP, but for it in a holistic and all-encompassing way - Malaysia for ALL Malaysians. Tim Sng]
[Thanks. All who make comments should not to use language which will cast an adverse reflection on this blog. - Admin]
#14 by Satya Venugopal on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 4:16 am
Dear Sir,
In principle I agree with 11 of your 12 proposals. The rationale behind the ideas is fairly intuitive.
I do not, however, see the rationale behind having an Opposition member head the PAC. Would it not be better if some neutral, non-partisan, respected member of society head the Committee?
It doesn’t make sense to have a BN member head the PAC because of conflict of interest and the potential for whitewash. The same logic would apply to an Opposition head of the PAC.
#15 by Jeffrey on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 5:23 am
Maybe you could consider adding one more proposal.
Parliament’s main function is legislative – to pass laws.
At the same time Parliament is to represent the Nation and her diverse rakyat.
Representing connotes at least three actions : explaining to, consulting and canvassing feedback the rakyat, or at least relevant sections of it concerned with, affected by and interested in the law to be passed on what the parliament proposes to do, what laws are proposed to be debated and passed etc.
I am talking here of direct public consultation – and participation by and dialogue with civil society and all in parliamentary process.
After all for a certain constituency of the people to vote in and send a member of parliament to Parliament to represent them does not mean the representation is fully complete. To assume otherwise conforms to theory but is unrealistic. Representation should not be just “top down” but also “bottom up” with continuous feedback.
We now have the information technology to facilitate dissemination of parliamentary and legislative information as well as gathering requisite feed back.
Like this Blog for example – why not have a kind of Paliamentary blog setting out proposed legislations, the reasons for them and so on where the public could access and relevant interested parties, stakeholders and civil society could give their views and post them for MPs to read and deliberate before parliamentary debate on it???
Take the case of the much maligned Private Health Facilities and Services Act 1998 (PHFSA).
I wonder if PHFSA would have so many creases and rucks requiring ironing out if those in medical profession having reservations of it had the mechanism to give feedback to parliament before it was debated and passed.
As it happened there was not much debate. It was rushed through parliament without the Opposition really picking up on the matter.
Had the situation taken another course Dr Basmullah Yusof would not languish in Kajang prison today. He probably still is – forgotten in the ‘political tsunami’ of 8th March 2008.
#16 by Godfather on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 6:58 am
If there is anything that we have learnt in the last 4 years, it is that the BN are nothing but a bunch of clowns and chauvinists. They did not adopt your recommendations for a first world Parliament in 2004; they will not do so now.
#17 by controlnation1 on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 7:32 am
“”Don’t think you want to put Wakil Rakyat Lim Kit Siang into trouble for condoning seditious statements from posters or statements which could be said to have seditious statements made by posters.”"
Only in our “God bless the King” country….oops more like “Kingdom”.Some truth are just so sensitive.
#18 by Jeffrey on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 7:35 am
In 2004 the BN had the largest majority since the 1978 elections, winning 198 parliamentary seats to the combined opposition parties’ 20 seats and now the 2008 elections yielded the worst results in the coalition’s history in which Opposition parties had won 82 seats depriving BN of 2/3 majority, and maybe even toppling the govt if Anwar could secure more than 30 crossovers!To say that “they did not adopt your recommendations for a first world Parliament in 2004″ and they will not do so now” is to deny that such par.
#19 by Jeffrey on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 7:37 am
continue… “reality of such profound change in political fortunes would ever affect their way of doing things, which I think is unrealistic”.
#20 by Jeffrey on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 7:55 am
I don’t understand this negativity and rigid mind set that nothing will ever change in respect of BN for the better. For god sake man, they’re fighting for their political relevance & survival. They had played the race and religious card thinking that it would preserve their relevance and power. But in 2008 elections Malays voted for DAP and Non Malays, PAS. That changed their perspective. Everything has changed in this political paradigm shift that is yet to be fully grasped. Who would expect rich states like Selangor Perak & Penang to fall to Opposition? Or public could view assets declared by ministers carrying implications to contradict these disclosures or even Zaid, not even fielded as candidate appointed minister in charge of law???? On the Opposition side, who would expect DAP would be looking into cooperating not only PKR but PAS as well??? Politics is art of the possible. Anything could change. I do not say “will definitely” change but “could” change even for the better.
#21 by Jeffrey on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 8:11 am
To stay relevant, BN must address all the issues raised during the elections, said MCA PJ Utara division chairperson Dr Wong Sai Hou. Even Keris hammuddin said, “Clearly, we heard a protest vote.” Barisan Nasional will have to undergo major reforms if it intends to remain relevant, the Umno Youth chief said. You think he would wave the keris again come this UMNO Assembly??? They may change not because they are contrite about their errant ways but because they love heir political power and positions more which they can only preserve if they re-package their political product more in line with demands of the electoral market that have on 8th March rejected their traditional fares and wares.
#22 by Jeffrey on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 8:17 am
How can one compare what happened in last 4 years to now as if 2008 would have no impact on BN, when in fact it had the profoundest of effects of nearly toppling it if electoral cheating were absent? We should not be so blind with hatred towards BN as to in our assessment of devlopments deny facts and reality and what is possible.
#23 by balance88 on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 8:26 am
If the govt adopts your reforms, this would be a gigantic strep forward for Malaysians. Hopefully, people then would see for themselves what type of MPs they have voted in. Probably, we can catch Pak Lah napping as well!
#24 by k1980 on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 8:36 am
Third World Countries can never possess First-World Parliaments for the simple reason that true democracy is absent in these countries
#25 by Godfather on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 8:56 am
I think the words “blind with hatred” is overboard. There is disgust at BN, there is the usual skepticism towards BN’s pronouncements, but “blind with hatred” is not correct to describe my scribblings in this blog and elsewhere. Frankly if the current coalition governments screw up in Penang, Perak and Selangor, I will be the first to vote BN back in and let the Opposition be the usual barking dogs.
The reason why I am skeptical about Kit’s pronouncement in this thread is that history has proven my skepticism right about the BN reaction towards Opposition suggestions. In fact, you should recall that in 2004, there was the congratulatory message from Kit to Badawi and then Kit even asked all of us to give Badawi’s purported reforms a chance to succeed. I was of the opinion that with Badawi, it was going to be “business as usual”. I am not proud to be proven right, and my skepticism this time around could be proven wrong. If I am wrong, then the country can go forward. If I am right, then the only choice is for the Opposition to gain control of the federal government. If this is fanaticism, then I am indeed guilty.
#26 by Jeffrey on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 10:00 am
Ok, I accept your correction of “blind with hatred” being overboard since you explain it. However the “usual skepticism” should hopefully be modified to an “unsual” one in light of recent major devlopments. :) 2004 should not be use as benchmark baseline. In 2004 they performed impeccably so they didn’t feel urgency or necessity to keep promises. Are you saying they still feel the same now in 2008? Lets wait and see what happens.
#27 by Jeffrey on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 10:02 am
“unusual”
#28 by Godfather on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 10:51 am
Yes, let’s wait and see what happens as May is not too far away. We will see if Nazri accepts Kit’s parliamentary reform suggestions or not.
#29 by jetaime.f on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 10:53 am
:)
#30 by jetaime.f on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 10:54 am
can I ask if anyone subscribes to the “malaysiakini + Wall street journaL”, is able to access all the sites of the wall street journal?
#31 by HJ Angus on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 10:57 am
I hope Hisham has learnt his lesson well.
When he waved the keris and got the response, a smarter person would have realised that it was quite upsetting to some citizens and he should have apologised for hurting their feelings and explaining that it was not intended.
But they went on to insist that it was their culture and their right and do it one more time. I think that was the last time.
I think it is not wise to encourage BN MPs from East Malaysia to defect. Maybe they could become independents and use that leverage to get more funds to help the really poor.
http://malaysiawatch3.blogspot.com/2008/03/as-usual-umno-rules.html
#32 by ShiokGuy on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 11:44 am
Please allow all the MP to VOTE Secretly! Not by show of hand. I belief a lot if BN’s MP would want to vote based on what they belief but Najib will whacked them up.
Secret Ballot for Voting in Parliament.
Mike
#33 by controlnation1 on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 12:21 pm
Unless BN become a truely multi racial party instead of multiracial coalition of monorace party, with Abdullah as president,OKT as his deputy,KTK,Najib and SAmy as vice president they would surely loose the government come next election. Then again “the Mamaks” are straying them in the wrong dirrection.
#34 by ric23_my on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 2:04 pm
If Sungai Pinang state assemblyman Teng Chang Khim not included in the exco list, or he is assigned with other position in the exco which is likely less power than an execution exco … i guess DAP have to pay for the consequences soon …
if Anwar wanted to compete later in any of the parliament seat, the above issue will make voters especially from chinese choose for BN …
it is quite obvious that Teng is more capable from the Seri Kembangan candidate … if DAP did not handle this issue properly, it is going to impact the election for Anwar soon …
I am the opposition supporter all the while. It is quite obvious that ppl around me also awake on this matter. And now, these ppl change their mind recently, they keep asking -> DAP look more or less the same as UMNO these few days, especially in this issue, that show DAP is also power maniac …
I can understand wat is politic reality, but sometime, competition for power cannot be too obvious and too much …
For this Teng issue, it is very obvious and too much
#35 by chanjoe on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 3:31 pm
There are so many unclear news about the EXCO list of Perak & Selangor State Govts.
Its geeting on the nerves of us loyal supporters of Opposition. Seems they are never ready at all to rule any states except for Kelantan. Is this a big mistake to gv the mandate to Oppo?
Just 3 parties and you guys cannot agree to the number of seats…what a big let down.
We want a clear govt so in order to get down to business….you guys are making businesses getting nervous…and is not helping at all in the economy….
Please cut down all the politicking and get to work…..The states cannot function witout a proper govt and for that matter…a strong govt with experience and right people in the EXCO….
My most sincere pleas to you all in BR…..
#36 by catharsis on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 4:03 pm
The political tsunami of March 8, 2008 general election is an unmistakable mandate and demand for far-reaching changes in Malaysia after 50 years of nation-building, including the creation of a vibrant, vigorous and truly representative First-World Parliament…………………………………………………………………..
That is a BIG ASK really- don’t you think you are putting the cart before the horse- Get your state administration right first would be a logical approach
#37 by sheriff singh on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 4:16 pm
Dewan Rakyat, Dewan Rakyat, Dewan Rakyat!!!!!
Have we forgotten the impotent dustbin of has-beens called the Dewan Negara??
This Upper Chamber too must be revamped and revitalised. Otherwise its like the Appendix, of no particular use.
All 5 Opposition States must appoint at least, say 10 Opposition senators to give the Upper House a life of its own, make it a useful and meaningful chamber. Let us have some action there.
As I understand it, the Senate too has already been dissolved with the dissolution of Parliament. So let us start afresh.
#38 by danielchowck on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 6:44 pm
Let’s start by having Deputy Speaker in Penang, Perak and Selangor from Barisan Nasional.
Would you support that, Uncle Kit?
#39 by Tim Sng on Friday, 21 March 2008 - 6:48 pm
Administrator,
Thanks…shows you are reading all posts. I am sure many of us who write cannot cope with reading every word, sentence or paragraph.
I know for sure that Special Branch is reading……AAB may not be reading….too busy…..but SB is reading and probably picks out the posts for `special mention’. Not that we write with fear, or favour.
But, let us be sensible, as true Malaysians, hopefully true Malaysian Malaysian.
Anyone who spreads `hate’ in this country is not a true Malaysian. As, all non-Malays were upset when the `Kris’ was flashed in a challenging way at the UMNO assembly, it is also natural for Malays to be upset if any derogatory statements are made…..unless the descriptive word is fair and appropriate.
For example, while all the UMNO leaders made sensible comments, Mike Tyson….said something like…..”Itulah biasa….” with reference to UMNO Sec Gen’s resignation.
Now, such comments can be shot down, as being another example of MMT’s being off-tangent, and lacking sensibility and sincerity.
And I would say, Dear Minister of Rural Development, do not think that rural folks can be fooled so easily again. Work Hard and prove your mettle and sincerity!
Again, Sdr Lim, work hard and be a true leader for ALL, not just one race the Chinese, and some Punjabis. Malaysia is for ALL, including the opposition….i mean BN…in those 5 states.
I was impressed that CM GE Lim, attended Prophet Mohammad’s celebration. That was cool.
#40 by penglam on Monday, 24 March 2008 - 11:29 am
The “white elephant” of parliament or the senate must be changed or reformed.
It has not performed its check and balance role or act independent of BN domination since Merdeka. In the past, it has house a pile of political “deadwood” or political reject. Presently we have seen the alleged corrupt former Selangor chief minister; Mohammed Taib is now made full minister via Senate.
Our second legislative must be made meaningful to Malaysians. As a start, the allocation of seats in the upper house should be on based on popular vote. Based on the popular vote, 22 out of the 44 seats federal senate seat should be given to the opposition.
Moving forward, senators should be accountable and answerable to the public. They should be elected by the people and not by political party.
#41 by dlquill on Monday, 24 March 2008 - 4:32 pm
Hi, If they dont slaughter cows and goats in the Paliament, it is an improvement. What a mockery they made last year as I was on a business trip in the states, my principle asked me whether it was an annual affair after reading the newspaper I brought down from the plane. Mr PM, Please dont lose your senses by all your [deleted] MP. It did not look good to the rest of the world.
#42 by Orangutan on Monday, 24 March 2008 - 9:40 pm
This is a good start YB Lim, we the Rakyat don’t want anymore crap replies from the ministers to opposition’s questions in the parliament anymore. Half-past-six MPs, which BN is full of, have no place in our august house anymore.
#43 by sammyvellu on Monday, 24 March 2008 - 10:59 pm
Malaysia will be never have a first world parliament as long as UMNO is still in power
#44 by One4All4One on Monday, 24 March 2008 - 11:01 pm
“First World Parliament in Malaysia”
It would be desireable to see that the improvement and transformation of the parliament to first class status be translated into a First World Malaysian society, in terms of Mentality, Behaviour and Morality.
It is always awe-inspiring and impressive to note that certain grand works are in the pipeline. But whether such works turn out to be useful or necessary remains to be seen.
To me it is enough if people are honest, responsible, accountable and morally right.
Just look around us:
Dirty surroundings, dirty toilets, dirty food courts, dirty food served, dirty habits, dirty rivers, dirty lakes, dirty parks, dirty tactics, dirty minds, and the list goes on. One can only ask why is it so?
Broken toilets taps, broken bus-stops, broken public phones, broken play-thing at the park, broken roads, broken bridges, broken pipes, broken buildings, broken schools, broken parliament roof, broken court houses, broken homes, broken trust, and the list goes on. One can only ask why?
One sided political power, one sided constitution, one sided rule, one sided law, one sided practice, one sided justice, one sided teaching, one sided judgement, one sided council, one sided policy, one sided committee, one sided opinion, and the list goes on. One can only ask why?
What should we do to overcome all these seemingly weaknesses?
It is the duty of leaders, elected or appointed or even volunteered, to serve with utmost sense of duty, honesty, accountability, responsibility and impartiality.
If such simple acts cannot be done, then there is not much use to talk about grand works. They would remain as what they are, just to impress.
Also everyone, without exception, should be sensible and responsible enough to take care of the environment and the amenities provided to them.
If the Malaysian society does not step up their attitude and sense of responsibility, no matter what grand design you plan and work for them, it would be an exercise in futility. Hence, the so-called first class infrastructure, but third class mentality syndrome.
If the august parliament house continues to have members who could not stand up to expectation, we would continue to be a disapointment and even a laughing stock. The desire to change and improve should not be confined to the external, but more importantly, the spirit, the mind and the soul.
#45 by lakilompat on Wednesday, 26 March 2008 - 12:27 pm
It is useless, becos parliament belong to Khairy, he’s the person behind Pak Lah. They can make a 1st world parliament but 3rd world leadership.