The group said the committees should require the statutory agencies and companies to submit regular reports on their performance and compel them to appear before the committee to explain their activities and any matters raised by the public.
G25 said the empowerment of select committees would be in line with the new government’s pledge to carry out parliamentary reforms.
“Parliamentary committees should not just be for letting off steam and a place for elected leaders to play politics,” the group said.
The committees should be empowered with real work and equipped with authority to approve the appointments of chairmen and chief executives of independent commissions and statutory agencies.
“This is to ensure that those chosen are not politically connected and that they are fit and proper to serve.”
The committees should also investigate such matters as the fiscal and monetary policies, budgetary management and the allegations of misconduct or abuse of power among the ministries, departments and their agencies.
“As seen in other mature democracies, these select committees provide an effective means for MPs to keep a close watch on the executive branch of government, namely the Cabinet and its ministers, and make them and their top officials transparent and accountable for their policies, especially in spending public funds,” G25 said in a statement.
It noted that the parliaments of some countries had as many as 20 or more supervisory committees, who could “even call up ministers and their civil servants to answer questions on issues that require high-level explanations”.
Select committees may also hold public inquiries to uncover the truths behind a major political scandal, such as 1MDB, or a surprise project like the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), or an environmental disaster like the red earth controversy in Kuantan.
The group suggested setting up committees along departmental lines, such as education, health, security, defence, or on policy lines across all ministries and departments, such as economic policy, trade, foreign affairs and the environment.
“This should also include legislative or administrative matters, involving race and religion, as violations of human rights and fundamental liberties have a profound impact on national unity, racial harmony and consequently national development.
G25 also hoped that parliamentary select committees would examine every legislative bill before it is tabled for debate and a vote.
It said MPs should also closely scrutinise any bill on religion, such as the controversial proposal to amend the Shariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act, and examine the operations of Islamic institutions, in particular, Jakim (Department Of Islamic Development Malaysia) and Iksim (Institute of Islamic Strategic Research Malaysia).
The select committee should consult with experts and community leaders in order to obtain the views of the public on controversies involving religious controls on our culture, entertainment or freedom of expression.
“This consultative process is essential to safeguard the multicultural character of Malaysian life and preserve the country’s reputation as a moderate Muslim majority country in tune with the modern world,” it said.
Top positions should be open to serving government officers, retirees, those in the business community or practising professionals, to make sure only the most qualified serve the country, irrespective of race and religion.
“All nominations, including those that come from the prime minister or his ministers, should be subject to confirmation hearings under the respective parliamentary committees. This should include the three top appointments in the civil service,” it said.
G25 also welcomed media reports that several commissions under the Prime Minister’s Department would be made independent of the prime minister, and report directly to Parliament.
Among the commissions and agencies involved are the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Election Commission, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), Public Prosecutor’s Office, National Audit Department, Public Services Commission and the Judicial Appointments Commission.
Bersih welcomes placing EC, MACC and Suhakam under Parliament