Set up select committees fast

WE, the members of G25, would like to refer to your editorial “A vital component of parliamentary reform” (The Star, Nov 2) where you argued for the establishment of parliamentary select committees (PSC) to be expedited. We agree with your comment and wish to emphasise that this crucial aspect of parliamentary reform should be undertaken urgently. There is no reason for delaying this reform as it can be done without any constitutional or statutory amendment. The existing legislation and Standing Orders of Parliament empower Parliament to establish select committees.

We in G25 have called for several select committees to be established in addition to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). While the PAC is important in playing the oversight role of examining the Government’s financial management and the issues raised in the Auditor-General’s Report, there is, however, a need for other select committees to be formed to regularly monitor the functions of ministries and, where necessary, to hold open enquiries on matters of public interest.