Parliamentarian roles go beyond law-making in today's fast-paced world - Speaker

KUALA LUMPUR: In today's world, the public expects accountability from decision-makers, including government officials and political leaders, and transparency in decision-making, said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

He said the public needs assurances that decisions will protect their rights and expects effective governance from leaders.

He added that, as a result, parliamentarians must, as legislators, constantly strive to improve their skills and expertise to propose and implement policies that meet the needs of the people.

"According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union's report 'Parliament and Democracy in the 21st Century,' effective MPs in today's world must, among other things, represent the will of the people and carry out their expectations for responsive and accountable governance," he said.

He emphasised that parliamentarians must adapt to new challenges by engaging with the public, improving representation, ensuring accessibility, maintaining transparency and enhancing legislative scrutiny. They must also enact laws that address changing societal needs while holding the government accountable.

Johari stated during his keynote address at a welcome dinner he hosted for participants of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Advanced Parliamentary Development Residency Programme at the Parliament building.

Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development and Malaysia's CPA Honorary Secretary, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, was also present.

Johari described the programme as timely because it will allow Members of Parliament (MPs) and their staff to share knowledge and experiences, particularly on parliamentary activities, governance challenges and legislative best practices across the Commonwealth.

"The programme offers participants the opportunity to enhance their understanding of the core characteristics that define an effective parliamentarian in the 21st century," he noted.

Noraini emphasised that parliamentarians must assess the complexity and expertise required to manage new technology responsibly and ethically.

"Our main priority should be to develop effective regulation and governance frameworks. This includes establishing clear guidelines for Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage, implementing audits, ensuring transparency and comprehensive training.

"Additionally, sharing experiences and learning the best practices from one another can greatly enhance our efficiency in addressing these issues.

"Continuous engagement, such as the Advanced Parliamentary Development Residency Programme, is crucial in ensuring that all Parliamentarians are up-to-date with the latest technological advances in the legislative context," she stated.

A total of 30 MPs from Commonwealth countries, including Malaysia, are participating in the six-day CPA Advanced Parliamentary Development Residency Programme, which began today. One of the activities is a visit to the Selangor Legislative Assembly on Friday (Sept 27), following earlier visits to Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat.

-- BERNAMA

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