PH Rejects Call for Opposition Leader to Help Set Parliament Agenda

Pakatan Harapan (PH) lawmakers have rejected a proposal to give the opposition leader a role in determining the Dewan Rakyat’s agenda, arguing that the responsibility should remain with the government.

Pulai MP Suhaizan Kaiat of Amanah said the opposition leader’s primary responsibility was to provide checks and balances, while the government should determine the business of Parliament.

PH MPs Warn Proposal Could Let Opposition Delay Parliamentary Proceedings

Jelutong MP RSN Rayer of DAP described the proposal as unhelpful, arguing that giving the opposition a greater role could create opportunities to delay proceedings.

He also criticised opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin, claiming Hamzah had yet to put forward sufficiently fact-based arguments since taking up the position.

Hulu Langat MP Sany Hamzan backed the criticism, pointing to previous instances in which opposition lawmakers walked out or boycotted parliamentary proceedings.

The proposal was made by Wawasan secretary-general Saifuddin Abdullah, who argued that involving the opposition leader in setting the parliamentary agenda could strengthen democratic consultation and governance.

The proposal has received mixed reactions within the government bloc. Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil rejected it, while Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim of PKR said it should be examined by a parliamentary select committee.

Hassan said any agreement would require amendments to the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders, but argued that greater opposition involvement could strengthen government accountability and parliamentary checks and balances.