Mujahid Yusof Rawa (Parit Buntar)

PARIT Buntar Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa’s response to the MP Watch: Eye on Parliament project, which asks all 222 MPs six questions.

(source: parlimen.gov.my)Name: Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa 
Constituency:  Parit Buntar 

Party:  PAS (Opposition) 
Years as MP: Since 2008 

Government position:  None

Party position:
Central committee member
Penang deputy chief

Membership in parliamentary committees or caucuses:
Asean parliamentary committee member

Blog/Website: http://mujahid.pas.org.my/

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 Would you support the abolition/review of the Internal Security Act (ISA), in particular the provision that allows for detention without trial? Why or why not?

Yes, because it contradicts with the maxim “innocent until proven guilty”. Judgment should be after trial in open court to ensure justice. The ISA doesn’t have that prerequisite of justice.

Do you think Malaysia should be a secular or an Islamic state? Why?

Malaysia at the moment is neither secular nor Islamic. Pakatan Rakyat calls for the status quo to be maintained, and I would prefer it the way it is since Article 3 of the Federal Constitution provides the basis to fill in Islamic substance.

This is far more important than whether it is [termed] Islamic or not.

How do you define your role as an elected MP? Does Parliament provide you with the necessary infrastructure and support to fulfill your role?

My role is as a legislator and people’s representative.

As far as the legislative role is concerned, Parliament is not really independent in discussing national interest. We are divided by political division rather than looking into the substance of the matter. Other parliamentary practices are not in place. For example, there should be more committees to look into Bills. Also, the handling of Parliament by Speakers and [use of] Standing Orders are not seen to be fully independent.

Parliament does not provide full support for fulfilling constituents’ needs, for example [not providing the] the RM1 million financial allocation [to opposition MPs]. We are also deprived of official access and recognition to help constituents such as in providing letters of recommendation.

Would you support a Freedom of Information Act? Why or why not?

Yes, I would support such an Act because it helps to improve transparency. However, [the law] must be made consistent with other Acts which hinder transparency and prevent freedom like the Official Secrets Act, the Printing Presses and Publications Act, and the ISA. So, having a Freedom of Information Act with other Acts, that curb freedom, still at large, is a fruitless effort.

If there was one thing you could do to strengthen parliamentary democracy in Malaysia, what would it be?

The Speaker’s role must be redefined.
Standing Orders should be reformed to give MPs more freedom.
Parliament’s administration should be reformed. For example, we need more research staff. Proposed Bills should also be made available two months prior to them being tabled.
Reform MPs’ roles by creating more committees to look into Bills, and other related problems. Proactively make suggestions through committees through public hearings and discussions with administrators on the problems they face.
Provide financial support for all MPs’ constituents.
Provide office facilities and staff to each MP.

Do you believe in separation of powers between the government, Parliament and judiciary? Why or why not?

Yes, that’s the doctrine, but unfortunately it’s not in place.

For other MP responses, see Full MP list

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