Time for parliamentary reform

THE much-awaited reconvening of the Dewan Rakyat materialised on Monday after a seven-month break since its last meeting on Dec 17, 2020. However, not much should be expected from this session as it is a special meeting under Standing Order 11(3) of the Dewan Rakyat, which permits the Prime Minister to choose the business to be transacted.

But, hopefully, with the emergency ending on Aug 1, the Dewan will return to the functions allocated to it by the supreme Constitution. We can enumerate 10 such functions.