Parliamentary reform: 'Opposition needs to establish a shadow cabinet' - Saifuddin

The Opposition needs to establish a perfect shadow cabinet before talking about parliamentary reform, says Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.

The Global Movement of Moderates’ chief executive officer said in addition to parliamentary reform, a question and answer session could also be held with the Prime Minister or other ministers.

“Number one we should ensure that the Opposition has a perfect shadow cabinet. If a good executive is needed then the Opposition needs to have a good shadow cabinet,” said Saifuddin at the Qua Vadis Malaysian Parliamentary Reform : Democracy, Not Autocracy forum here, on Friday.

The other panels during the forum included Kluang MP, Liew Chin Tong, Seremban MP, Anthony Loke and Pandan MP, Rafizi Ramli.

Opposition leader, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had previously announced that Pakatan Rakyat would revive its Shadow cabinet.

She said that the step was taken to safeguard public interest.

She added that each chosen ministry would be represented by an MP from each party.

Saifuddin also said that a criteria of an MP is when the individual manages to provide an immediate answer to the questions given in Parliament.

“An MP has the power not to answer. They can answer or stand and inform that a written answer would be provided,” he said.