Friday (2/3), Malaysia’s parliament announced Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the Head of Parliamentarians, and Dato Seri Hamzah Zainuddin as Leader of the Opposition. On the same day, the formation of a shadow cabinet was announced by Perikatan Nasional.
The existence of a shadow cabinet in parliament was welcomed by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections or BERSIH. The shadow cabinet is considered to be healthy for the Parliament and democracy in Malaysia. The opposition is expected to offer alternative policies based on facts, data and ideas.
"We need a culture of political competition that is professional and mature, not hostile and belittling between the Government and the Opposition in order to achieve Sustainability, Prosperity, Innovation, Respect, Trust and Innovation as per the concept introduced by YAB Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Unity Government", said the chair of BERSIH, Thomas Fann, according to a release received by electionhouse.org (6/2).
BERSIH pushed for the Unity Government to recognize the Shadow Cabinet. Recognition includes five things. One, the inauguration ceremony of the shadow ministers at the State Palace as loyal opposition to Yang Dipertuan Agung. Two, the allowance for shadow ministers is one-third of the minister's salary. Three, allocation of funds for each shadow minister's expert staff with expertise relevant to the shadow minister's portfolio. Fourth, access to relevant government information so that shadow ministers can produce realistic policies. Fifth, increase the time and agenda of the parliament in the Parliament in consultation with the leader of the opposition or representatives of the Shadow Cabinet.
“An allowance to shadow ministers that is one third of a minister’s salary is similar to Australia’s system. The Shadow Cabinet can make a courtesy visit to the Cabinet before the parliament convenes," concluded Thomas. []
This article is translated by Catherine Natalia
