In a statement, they said under the current provision, a matter can only be referred and deliberated by a committee when the Dewan decides so. This goes against the spirit of accountability.

A minister must also refer a matter to the committee, which they say is against parliamentary best practices.

Led by Kulim-Bandar Baharu MP Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, the MPs said the situation gives space for abuse, such as ministers refusing to show up before the committee, especially over sensitive issues.

“This provision has been used as justification for certain ministers and high-ranking public officers to avoid appearing before the committee.

“A recent meeting with the Speaker and law minister suggested they were keen on supporting the committee’s efforts.

“However, they gave no clear timeline for amending the standing order,” the MPs said, adding that is why they want Standing Order 83(4) to be suspended for the time being, pending the amendments being made.

Standing Order 83(4) reads: “The deliberations of a select committee shall be confined to the matter referred to it by the House and any extension or limitation thereof made by the House, and, in the case of a Select Committee on a Bill, to the Bill committed to it and relevant amendments.”

Besides Saifuddin, the other signatories include Sungai Petani MP Johari Abdul, Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik and Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.