Both PSSCs, shadow cabinet necessary to monitor ministries, say NGOs
PETALING JAYA: Both the parliamentary special select committees (PSSCs) and shadow cabinet are necessary to monitor the progress of ministries, says a coalition of NGOs.
The CSO Platform for Reform urged the unity government to fairly assess both mechanisms, saying the shadow cabinet serves as an important counterpart for the PSSCs in ensuring scrutiny and accountability in the parliamentary system.
“Although the PSSCs aim to form cooperation and oversight across party lines, the shadow cabinet functions as an important pillar in policy formulation and public accountability.
“These two mechanisms form a symbiotic relationship, each fulfilling different functions but complementing each other in upholding democratic principles and promoting effective governance for the benefit of the people,” it said in a statement.
The coalition was responding to government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil’s call on Wednesday for Perikatan Nasional MPs to focus on serving the people through the PSSCs instead of a shadow cabinet, calling the PSSCs the best platform for the opposition to monitor the progress of each ministry.
“The PSSCs consist of all MPs from various parties. (They) should be fully utilised,” Malaysiakini had reported him as saying during a post-cabinet press conference at the communications ministry in Putrajaya.
Fahmi, who is also the communications minister, was responding to a question on PN’s reshuffled shadow cabinet and whether the government was prepared for scrutiny.
However, CSO Platform for Reform said the appointed shadow ministers would represent and empower specific fields of expertise, increasing oversight over government functions.
“These appointments are often made on the basis of individual parliamentarians’ qualifications, experience, and expertise in specific areas related to their assigned portfolios,” it said.
It also said the shadow cabinet will increase awareness and ensure that the government is more responsible in the eyes of the public, with shadow ministers demonstrating their accountability to the public through press conferences, televised debates, and answering public questions.
“Their willingness to engage with the media in addressing the public’s concerns will strengthen the democratic principles of government oversight and further foster the people’s trust and confidence in the political process,” it said.
The coalition pointed to the appointment in the UK of David Lammy as shadow secretary of state for foreign affairs, Commonwealth and development, given his experience in government and public service as an MP and expert in justice, higher education and culture.
“His background in law and advocacy work on social justice and equality are added values to his expertise,” it said.
It also said the shadow cabinet, besides scrutinising the government’s actions, should actively engage in formulating policies and alternative initiatives, fostering a “healthy competition of ideas within the parliamentary system”, and ensuring diverse perspectives are considered in the legislative process.
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