I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to withdraw the RM10,000 penalty clause in the Employment Insurance System Amendment Bill. This correction is necessary and shows that concerns raised by employers and industry groups were valid from the start.
However, the issue goes beyond a single clause. The fact that the bill reached the final stages of the legislative process before such a serious flaw was acknowledged reflects a deeper structural problem. It demonstrates that the ministry did not conduct meaningful engagement with stakeholders before tabling the amendment in Parliament. This should not happen in a mature democracy.
Parliament must never be reduced to merely endorsing decisions already made by the Executive. A legislature that does not assert its own judgement will become a body without an independent mind or will. Malaysia needs a stronger, more credible law making process that restores Parliament to its rightful place as a guardian of public interest.
To achieve this, the role of parliamentary select committees must be significantly strengthened. I propose that the Standing Orders be amended to require all bills and major amendments to be referred to the relevant select committee at least 14 days before being presented in the House. This will give committee members time to scrutinise proposals, gather views, and refine the text of a bill before it is debated in the chamber.
It should also be a compulsory requirement for the government to formally respond to select committee reports. Without such an obligation, committee recommendations risk being ignored. In line with established Westminster practice, party whips must not interfere with the work of these committees. Their independence is essential for maintaining credible scrutiny and for ensuring that MPs from all sides can hold the government to account without partisan pressure. No ministry should attempt to influence or pressure committee members.
Empowering parliamentary committees with real authority is how we transform our Parliament into what Malaysians deserve, a First World Parliament that safeguards democratic governance, protects the public interest, and ensures that legislation is shaped by informed deliberation rather than administrative convenience.
The decision on the EIS amendment must be a turning point. It should lead us toward better governance, stronger institutions, and a Parliament worthy of national confidence.