Four new Parliament Special Select Committees formed

KUALA LUMPUR: Four new special select committees have been formed in Parliament for better check and balance, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong (pic).

The four Special Select Committees are for Election; International Relations and Trade; Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs; and Science, Innovation and Environment.

The four committees were set up after a House Committee statement, tabled by Liew in Parliament on Thursday (Oct 17), was approved without debate.

With the formation of the Special Select Committee on Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs, the Special Select Committee on Human Rights and Gender Equality was renamed to Special Select Committee on Gender Equality and Family Development, said Liew.

“The Special Select Committees function as a check-and-balance mechanism towards the executive, which also aim at improving and giving more legitimacy towards government policies,” said Liew.

All of the four Special Select Committees will have the power to summon individuals to provide statements and views on issues relating to the respective committees, he said.

The House also approved the setting up of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia, which is a platform to discuss a common topic among parliamentarians and senators, as well as stakeholders comprising academicians, professionals, NGOs and partners.

The group will also discuss reports tabled by Parliament or Committees.