KUCHING: Empowering the members of Dewan Negara or Senate is vital for serving the people effectively. Senate Reform Working Committee chairman Senator Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff said the main challenge to the Dewan Negara was its relevancy whereby, based on feedback, most people were unaware of the role of the Upper House.
Therefore, the Parliamentary Services Act 1992 should be reconsidered for reinstatement in the effort to empower and regain the Dewan Negara’s relevancy and independency, and to what extent the Upper House can do in serving the people effectively.
Mohd Yusmadi also pointed out the role carried out by the Dewan Negara is firstly, to enact laws, followed by revising what have been tabled in the Dewan Rakyat, to refine or enhance them.
He pointed out that in achieving all these, the duration of the service of Senators (three years) was also important for them to carry out their responsibilities, and at the same time gain experience.
Mohd Yusmadi was speaking to reporters after paying a courtesy call on the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) speaker, Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar yesterday.
He added that there were some suggestions for improvement in terms of support systems, addressing the issues of employees who are still under contracts as well as looking into management issues.
Also present were Deputy DUN speaker Datuk Gerawat Gala and other state dignitaries.
