Give shadow cabinet a chance to present its policies

I REFER to “Parliamentary reforms needed” by Shad Saleem Faruqi (The Star, Jan 9; online at https://bit.ly/3ZuclQ4). The suggested reforms include increasing the number of sitting days in line with the British Parliament, which meets approximately 180 days a year.

It is reasonable to argue that increasing the number of sittings will allow more time for our elected representatives to scrutinise and debate policies and actions by the government.

The Opposition’s key role is to question the government of the day and hold them accountable to the public. As the “alternative government”, it must strive to ensure that policies and laws are subject to constructive debates and critical examination.

Thankfully, a shadow cabinet is in place and its members are, on paper, given the authority to challenge their counterparts on the government side. But they should also be given the chance to draft and present their own policies.

SZE LOONG STEVE NGEOW

Kajang