KUALA LUMPUR: Democracy is more than just about voting at the ballot box but about publicly questioning and assessing decisions taken by the ruling government at all times, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said this will ensure that elected officials and the government remain publicly accountable to their duties and responsibilities.
"Democracy is about a system that allows the ruling party to be questioned, criticised and assessed by the public," said Anwar during his opening remarks at the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) at WTCKL on Thursday (Sept 18).
To foster democratic accountability in governance, Anwar said Malaysia embarked on a reform process, which saw the introduction of the Parliamentary Services Act (PSA) and the Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQT).
According to Anwar, the PSA received bipartisan support from MPs and it is an outstanding achievement, as it allows the Parliament institution to be totally independent from government management.
"Of course, I commend the Speaker for harassing me to ensure that the Cabinet prioritises it and finally tabling it in Parliament," quipped Anwar.
Anwar also said Parliamentary select committees consisting of backbenchers and Opposition MPs were established during his tenure as premier.
"I must say, it was easier to perform in Parliament as Opposition leader, than to perform as Prime Minister.
"Because, you are held accountable and you have to undertake difficult questions and exchanges on very contentious issues," he said.
Anwar said the government aims to educate the public to always look into both views before coming up with a decision.
"This puts the PM and the government on guard, and that gives the real meaning to what we call democratic accountability," said Anwar.
Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who spoke earlier, said the Parliament must remain the bastion of democracy.
"If parliaments stand strong, transparent and accountable, they will safeguard democracy itself.
"But, if we falter, the very foundation of governance will be shaken," said Johari.
Johari also urged Asean leaders to expand the participation of youth and women in their respective legislative assemblies.
"Youth and women must not remain on the margins of parliamentary life; they belong at its very heart.
"Their perspectives are indispensable if Asean is to remain relevant, inclusive and future-ready," added Johari.
The PSA was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on March 5 this year and this grants the Parliament the autonomy to manage its own operations.
This grants the Parliament autonomy since the Parliamentary Services Act 1966 was abolished in 1992 during Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s first tenure as PM.
During that time, Parliament was placed under the Prime Minister’s Department with a minister supervising its administration.
The PMQT was introduced during the 15th Parliament sitting in Feb 2023 where the Prime Minister will answer three questions on either every Tuesday or Thursday morning.
