He said the government should adopt the UK’s approach of ensuring that approximately 20% of all laws passed originate from private MPs.

“MPs have the right under the law to introduce new laws called private members’ bills. But in 65 years, no private members’ bill has ever passed in Parliament.

“Many have been introduced, but none have been taken up by the government,” he told FMT during an exclusive interview.

Private members’ bills tend to be placed at the bottom of the list of legislation up for debate in the Dewan Rakyat, making it impossible for them to make it to the floor.

He also expressed support for the recently passed Parliamentary Services Bill.

Although describing its contents as “rudimentary”, he said the bill was a necessary first step in the “evolutionary process” of strengthening Parliament and securing its independence from the executive.

Shad Saleem noted that the government sometimes avoids pushing bills on certain controversial matters due to the fear of losing votes at the next general election.

But the nation’s interest requires a measure like the goods and services tax (GST). For economic reasons, it’s needed today, but it is controversial,” he said.

Shad Saleem said an MP could take the lead in such situations. The government could then allow its MPs to vote according to their conscience.

However, he said the government must allocate financial support and research manpower to enable MPs to carry out the task effectively.

“It is not an easy feat as it requires money and manpower for research.

“In England, those who want to introduce a private members’ bill are given the necessary financial aid. Furthermore, time is allocated each week for private members’ motions,” he added.

‘Be more open’

Shad Saleem also urged the government not to keep bills secret from MPs until the last minute.

“Why should a bill be kept a secret? It is meant for the rakyat. Laws are meant to be obeyed but how can you obey something unless you know what it is all about?

“We should follow the practice in some countries where, once a bill is drafted, it is published in the media. Citizens are invited to give comments, and those comments are taken into account,” he said.

He shared an anecdote highlighting the lack of transparency: “I have had MPs calling me at 9pm, saying: ‘I have been asked by my party whip to debate the bill. Can you advise me?’

“I say: ‘Sir, I have not seen the bill because you have put it under the Official Secrets Act 1972.’

“(The MP will reply:) ‘No, no, I will send it to you now,’ and then he wants an opinion because he has to give a speech on it,” he said.

Shad Saleem stressed that MPs should receive copies of bills well in advance.

“It is a disservice to MPs who don’t know the contents of the bill. And even if they have read it, they may not understand it. If they understand it, they are not free to speak as they like because of party discipline.

“There should be more freedom of speech to criticise the bill,” he said.

He also called for MPs to receive legislative assistance.

“In the UK, there are 600 MPs with 3,500 legislative assistants. In the Philippines, every congressman has five legislative assistants.

“These assistants help MPs analyse bills, draft speeches, and take note of public complaints,” said Shad Saleem.