Reports by MARTIN CARVALHO, RAHIMY RAHIM and TARRENCE TAN

       AMENDMENTS are being proposed to prohibit MPs or senators from attending Parliament proceedings if they are facing ongoing court charges, says Senate president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim.

       Rais, in a statement, noted that amendments to The Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 would allow the prohibition until court proceedings were completed.

       He said the proposal came after a special meeting with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and officials from both Houses yesterday.

       Rais, who chaired the meeting, said the proposal was submitted to Wan Junaidi, who is in charge of Parliament and law.

       He said the proposed amendments would be brought to the government for approval.

       Also proposed was the revival of the Parliamentary Services Act 1963.

       He noted the revival of the Act would further translate the concept of the separation of powers between the executive and legislature in line with Article 44 of the Federal Constitution.

       Rais said the proposed transformation of Parliament was in line with the recent memorandum of understanding signed between the government and Pakatan Harapan opposition leaders to initiate reforms.