KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor) has claimed that differences between the government and its agencies over the proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill highlight the need for Parliament to establish its own legislative drafting team.
He said the differing views of the government, MPs and civil society organisations (CSOs) risked being overlooked because the drafting of Bills currently depended heavily on government agencies.
"I have personally observed what appears to be some tension between the government and government agencies over the drafting of the FOI Bill.
"The government, many MPs in this House and numerous civil society organisations hold views that differ from those of the agencies," he said when debating the Supply Bill 2027.
Wan Saiful claimed that views expressed by CSOs and MPs appeared to be dismissed when agencies were tasked with preparing draft legislation.
"Even the government itself has a different version. I would not go so far as to suggest that some sort of deep state is operating within our government," he said.
He said Parliament should establish its own legislative drafting team instead of relying solely on government agencies to prepare Bills.
Wan Saiful said some draft Bills had been referred to parliamentary select committees for review and amendments, but were still initially prepared by the relevant agencies.
"When select committees examine these drafts, there may be changes that need to be made.
"That is why we need our own drafting team in Parliament instead of relying solely on agencies, so that Bills eventually tabled in the House truly reflect the wishes of the people," he said.
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