KUALA LUMPUR: Parliament transformation is one of three priorities for newly-minted Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
In a statement today, he said parliament transformation will focus on two main areas; to reintroduce the Parliamentary Service Act and to create a new act of parliament.
"The Parliamentary Service Act will be more comprehensive to give independence to Parliament, while the proposal to create a new act of parliament is to replace The Houses of Parliament Privilege and Powers Act 1952 (Revised 1988).
"It is time to carry out the necessary improvements and transformation to the current parliament systems to suit current social and political situations as well as to be more equipped in dealing with modern-day challenges," he said.
Wan Junaidi added he had met with the speakers of both the Dewan Negara and Rakyat; Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim and Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun last week to discuss the matter.
"I am happy that both speakers were very positive with the proposal and had given their commitment to take on the lead role in the transformation of our parliament.
"In line with this, we have also agreed to form a joint committee between parliament and the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) to ensure the various proposals discussed can be executed swiftly," he added.
Also on his 100 days' key performance indicators (KPIs) is to closely examine the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to reinstate the rights of the people in Sabah and Sarawak as agreed under the MA63.
"The MA63 is an issue that is close to my heart and this will be one of my priorities.
"I have already met with the Sarawak Attorney-General's Chambers and communicated with Sabah Attorney-General's Chambers regarding this matter," he said, adding that he will also look into the common ground between Sarawak and Sabah for a solution.
The Santubong MP said another priority is to transform the government sector.
"I had discussed the matter with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, yesterday, and the premier had principally agreed for the ministry to look into these transformation plans." he said.