The proposal is among 10 measures that new Speaker Ngeh Koo Ham said he intends to carry out, according to a media interview. He said standing orders would be amended to empower the three new select committees to call up officials and witnesses.
Ngeh was quoted today as saying that research officers would also be provided for the legislative assembly members, and a proper office for the opposition leader, whose position would be formalised.
Live online telecasts of assembly sittings will be provided for members of the public, and members of the media will now be allowed access to the lobby instead of being restricted to the upstairs press gallery.
The opposition leader would be provided with an assistant and facilities to carry out his duties, and would also be made chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, but only within two to three years.
If the opposition leader was someone who was previously in power, “he may not want to call any meetings!” Ngeh was quoted as saying. “This would defeat the purpose of the PAC.”
Ngeh said he also proposed to create a Freedom of Information Enactment and form a committee to look into credibility, accountancy, and transparency, according to the interview with Malay Mail Online.