TAWAU Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Chua Soon Bui’s response to the MP Watch: Eye on Parliament project, which asks all 222 MPs six questions.
(source: parlimen.gov.my)Name: Datuk Chua Soon Bui
Constituency: Tawau
Party: Independent — SAPP
Years as MP: Since 2004
Government position: None
Party position: 
Vice-president
Membership in parliamentary committees or caucuses:
Women’s Caucus
Labour Caucus
Caucus on Oil Royalty
Website: None
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?
I support the abolition of the ISA and [it’s replacement] with a new anti-terrorist law.
Do you think Malaysia should be a secular or an Islamic state? Why?
Malaysia is a secular state because since independence, the Federal Constitution was founded on the premise of secularism.
How do you define your role as an elected MP? Does Parliament provide you with the necessary infrastructure and support to fulfil your role?
My role as an elected Member of Parliament is to be able to articulate people’s views on governance, on issues of the people, and of public interest. Parliament should provide personal researchers for us to do in-depth studies on issues and Bills related to the public interest.
Would you support a Freedom of Information Act? Why or why not?
I would support a Freedom of Information Act which revolves around information based on public interest. For example, the government’s procurement and its governance, to ensure good governance through transparency. Information on personal data and privacy, however, should be protected.
If there was one thing you could do to strengthen parliamentary democracy in Malaysia, what would it be?
To strengthen parliamentary democracy in Malaysia, more parliamentary committees should be set up to oversee issues relating to different portfolios. There would be more public hearings in each committee, especially [when abuse is involved].
Do you believe in separation of powers between the government, Parliament and judiciary? Why or why not?
In any democracy, there should be separation of powers between the government, Parliament and the judiciary because they are the main pillars [of state]. It is a must to ensure efficiency and sufficient check and balance within the establishment. 
For other MP responses, see Full MP list
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