PETALING JAYA: Senators will submit a proposal to amend the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act to strengthen the role of Dewan Negara, said its president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim.

       “The report of the transformative steps will be presented to the King and the ruling government as a means to champion the legislature so that no party will try to belittle the institution,” he said in a statement after chairing a virtual discussion with senators with the theme “Senate: The New Torch of Parliament in Malaysia” yesterday.

       Rais said the proposals to transform Dewan Negara was reached by way of bi-partisan consensus.

       He noted that the proposals were not solely aimed towards enhancing the privileges accorded to senators, but also covers structural and administrative changes.

       He said the proposed changes will be in line with the concept of the separation of powers to ensure that the legislature played a function role as check and balance mechanism.

       “Parliament as the legislative body cannot be under the supervision of the Executive, except for discussions on financial matters,” he added.

       Rais also said that parliament special select committees, which have legal powers, should also play a core role in addressing issues faced by the rakyat for the government to resolve.

       Among the committees cited by Rais included those involving the well-being of the rakyat, social, cultural, communications, and education.

       He said the transformation effort is not done solely for the interest of the Senate, but for legislative body as a whole to ensure its sovereignty as the nation’s highest law-making body.

       Dewan Negara comprises 70 senators who serve a three-year term following appointments by the respective political parties, of whom 26 are elected by the respective state legislative assemblies.

       Another 44 senators are appointed by the King. Currently, there are 54 senators listed on the Parliament website, with 16 vacancies.