Understanding the Dewan Rakyat: The book launch and public forum (Updated 29 March)

(Updated 9:30pm, 29 March 2011)

Nancy with her complimentary copy of the book.

After the forum, the MPs mingle with guests.

KAS Malaysia Resident Representative, Dr Thomas Knirsch, handing out copies of The Nut Graph’s Found in Malaysia book as tokens of appreciation to the panelists.

Malaysiakini assistant news editor Andrew Ong questions where the MPs’ priorities lie — in lawmaking, or servicing the constituents.

Adrian Yeo asks the MPs about their fitness regime. Tian Chua recommends brisk walking during by-elections; Nancy Shukri balances her diet; and Teo has visited the gym five times in the past week as she gears up for the Sarawak elections.

Questions are open to the floor. Tricia Yeoh (right) asks how our parliamentary’s research system can be improved, while the guest on the left asks MPs about how funding and expenses are accounted for during elections.

Nancy admits to the audience that the BN could do with some changes. Teo can be heard in the background cheekily asking, “What changes?”

Nancy says her background as a lawyer makes her more aware of the political dangers in receiving monetary help or material goods from her supporters.

Chua talks about financial contributions MPs have to make to their political party.

Female MPs are scrutinised over their public images and outfits, says Teo.

Moderator and The Nut Graph assistant news editor Deborah Loh introduces the panelists.

The team responsible for the book from MyConstitution, Konrad-Adenauer Foundation, The Nut Graph and ZI Publications.

Book contributor Gan Pei Ling having a look at the giant mock copy of the book.

Hulu Selangor MP P Kamalanathan signing for his copy of the book.

Bukit Mertajam MP Chong Eng with extra copies for her fellow Penang DAP MPs.

Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran in conversation with another guest after the launch.

Kuala Pilah MP Datuk Hasan Malek perusing his copy.

Kepong MP Dr Tan Seng Giaw receiving his copy of the book.

Abu Zahar (left) with Gabungan Mansuh ISA president Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh and International Islamic University law lecturer Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Bari.

Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang browsing through his copy of the book.

Pandikar Amin officially launching the book by signing a giant mock copy on stage.

MPs listening to Pandikar Amin’s speech; among them (from left, seated, facing camera) Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading), Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (BN-Santubong), and Tan Sri Syed Hamid Syed Jaafar Albar (BN-Kota Tinggi).

Pandikar Amin said he found the book very informative and congratulated the 113 MPs who had responded to The Nut Graph’s six questions.

The book’s co-editor Deborah Loh addressing the crowd.

Independent Pasir Mas MP Datuk Ibrahim Ali was among the guests at the launch.

MyConstitution members (from left) Mahaletchumi Balakrishnan, Shamala Balasundaram and Aniza Damis, at the launch.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia arriving for the launch. On hand to greet him were Dr Thomas Knirsch from the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation, The Nut Graph’s Deborah Loh and Malaysian Bar president Lim Chee Wee.

IN January 2010, The Nut Graph embarked on an ambitious project: to ask all 222 Members of Parliament (MPs) their views on various issues of national interest. MPs were asked, among others, their opinions on the Internal Security Act, whether Malaysia should be an Islamic or secular state, and what they believed their roles as MPs were. A total of 113 MPs replied and the results of the MP Watch: Eye on Parliament project have now been compiled in a book titled Understanding the Dewan Rakyat.

The book was produced in collaboration with the Malaysian Bar Council’s constitutional law committee through its MyConstitution campaign, and launched by the Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia on 23 Mar 2011. Other than the MPs’ responses, it also contains chapters on how Parliament works, the speaker’s functions and powers, and analyses of the MPs’ answers.

When addressing guests at the launch, the book’s co-editor Deborah Loh said she hoped that the book would help to refocus political debate on substantive issues. She also said the book would be a guide for voters, journalists, analysts, political parties and MPs, especially with the next general election expected to be called soon.

The MP Watch project and the book were supported by the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation. The book Understanding the Dewan Rakyat is published by ZI Publications Sdn Bhd and will be available at major book stores on a limited print run from mid-April. The book is 564 pages long and will cost RM95.

(Updated) Public forums with MPs as panelists will also be held in the coming months to promote discussion about the issues in the book. The first forum was held on Sunday, 27 March 2011, with MPs Teo Nie Ching (DAP-Serdang), Nancy Shukri (BN-PBB-Batang Sadong) and Chua Tian Chang (PKR-Batu) talking about the roles and challenges of an MP. The forum was held at the Leonardo’s Dining Room and Wine Loft, with about 60 people attending.

The discussion covered a range of issues that MPs face, such as their lawmaking roles, the constraints they face in terms of resources and in research for debates, as well as their views about what needs improvement in the parliamentary system. The MPs also fielded questions from the floor.

Follow The Nut Graph on Twitter and Facebook to get updates on future public forums.

Comments

Malaysian Expat says

March 28, 2011 at 8:33 am

Congratulations on finalising this important project. Understanding one’s system of governance is very important and will only help Malaysian get their opinions heard. Thanks to your work, we’re a step closer to responsible stewardship.

Do you have plans to publish the book at cheaper price down the road?

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