KUALA LUMPUR: A coalition pushing for the empowerment of Parliament has urged the government to present a roadmap for reforms, saying the nature of the coalition government should not be a stumbling block.
"After 15 months in power, the Pakatan Harapan-led Madani government has not completed any major institutional reforms," said the Seed Community for a Professional Parliament (SCPP) in a statement.
"It should stop using 'coalition government' as a reason to conceal its lack of appetite and urgency to pursue institutional reforms."
The group, which comprises individuals, think tanks, and civil society groups including Bersih, Undi18, Engage, and Bait Al Amanah among others, said it was concerned that Parliament could be dissolved before reforms materialise due to the absence of a Fixed Term Parliament Act.
It said the parliamentary reform roadmap should cover the enactment of a Parliamentary Services Act, the strengthening and expansion of Parliamentary Select Committees, and the earmarking of non-government business time during sittings.
The group also wants the roadmap to cover the enactment of a Fixed Term Parliament Act and the prioritising of confidence and no-confidence motions through standing order amendments as well as the recognition of a shadow cabinet with access to information and resources.
It said the roadmap should have a clear timetable.
"Preparation of this roadmap of parliamentary reform can be a productive process to align the interests and concerns of parties in the Madani coalition government.
"It can even help in stabilising politics if the opposition Perikatan Nasional is invited and willing to take part in shaping it."
SCPP said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should seek the leadership of Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and Dewan Negara President Datuk Mutang Tugal to spearhead this roadmap and back it up with full political and financial support.
"It is now time for PH to deliver on its reform promises, many made more than a decade ago."
"SCPP also calls upon the Opposition parties, PN and the Muda to support this call for a parliamentary road map."