He said the current RM2 million budget for the committees as a whole is not enough for them to do their work properly.

“The committees are very important to ensure proper checks and balances in our democracy,” the former deputy finance minister said in the Dewan Rakyat when winding up the debate on the 2025 budget.

“The committees have held 180 meetings and presented 20 reports, but are struggling because they don’t have enough money or support,” he said.

Shahar said the committees, which include MPs from both the government and the opposition, need better funding and more staff to support their work.

He said the parliamentary reforms promised by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim could fail if these problems are not solved.

“We’re not asking for the moon and the stars. We just want fairness so Parliament can work at its highest level,” he said.

The committees cover finance, health, cost of living, transport, education, security and human rights, among others.

The parliamentary committee members are chosen by a selection committee headed by Speaker Johari Abdul.