Marzuki said that while there was no ideal number of sitting days as it depends on the number of issues, bills and motions to be discussed and debated, MPs need more time to play their role as lawmakers while performing other duties in their constituencies or ministries.

“MPs have an important role as lawmakers but at the same time, they have a responsibility to serve their constituents, such as distributing food baskets, especially during the pandemic, this consumes most of their time.

“By increasing the number of sittings, MPs will have more time to play their role as lawmakers,” he said in a webinar titled “Should Parliament Be a Full-Time Institution” organised by the Jeffrey Sachs Center today.

Marzuki noted that MPs raise many questions during a sitting but only a fraction of them could be answered by the ministers and their deputies because of time constraints.

“However, if we have a longer period and more time (is) allocated, more questions can be answered,” he said.

Marzuki also pushed for the adoption of technology into the parliamentary process, saying it would enhance the democratic process.

He said a hybrid parliament sitting would also enhance efficiency. “By conducting it in a hybrid manner, MPs need not be physically present in Parliament. They can be at their respective constituencies while posing questions to ministers, participating in parliamentary debates and voting for bills.”

He stressed that the quality of the parliamentary debate must be improved so that Parliament could play a better check and balance role.

To do so, he suggested a briefing among ministries and MPs before commencing a parliament session.

“Prior to the sittings, the relevant ministers can brief the MPs on the latest policies and bills to be discussed during meetings. This way, the MPs don’t have to wait for the sittings to ask questions. They can also ask questions during the briefing session.

“With the briefing session, MPs can make better preparations for the debate later,” he said.