COMMENTARY

Malaysia's position on the Corruption Perception Index dropped 6 positions in 2020. The government's focus on a wholesome resilient post-pandemic recovery for the nation must include an intentional effort to increase the 'integrity of governance' of our public institutions. Article in Malay.

Parliament should be the government's strategic partner in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, virtual sittings will enhance bipartisan consensus. Article in Malay.

When the NZ Parliament was postponed, its epidemic response committee was a recognition of the opposition's role to jointly manage COVID-19. The administration was called to testify on issues, proceedings were broadcasted live and every report was debated when parliament resumed. It guaranteed that the committee conducted itself transparently and openly, and ensured parliamentary scrutiny during the crisis.

When the NZ Parliament was postponed, its epidemic response committee was a recognition of the opposition's role to jointly manage COVID-19. The administration was called to testify on issues, proceedings were broadcasted live and every report was debated when parliament resumed. It guaranteed that the committee conducted itself transparently and openly, and ensured parliamentary scrutiny during the crisis. Article in Malay.

The country is in a leadership crisis. How far will MCO 2.0 and the Emergency declaration flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases? The government must consult and engage widely during this critical period - particularly for the upcoming National Pandemic Management Strategic Plan. It is essential that Parliament continues to function and the Greek and UK parliaments illustrate effective legislating during a pandemic.

The country is in a leadership crisis. How far will MCO 2.0 and the Emergency declaration flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases? The government must consult and engage widely during this critical period - particularly for the upcoming National Pandemic Management Strategic Plan. It is essential that Parliament continues to function and the Greek and UK parliaments illustrate effective legislating during a pandemic. Article in Malay.

The Dewan Negara is going through an evolutionary phase. This momentum should form the foundational efforts to ditch its decades-long "rubber stamp" image. The Dewan Negara should be seen as an institution that emphasises Co-governing principles. This new dynamic must continue building upon closer cooperation of the government and opposition for a better post-COVID19 country. Article in Malay.

A strong majority is important for approving the 2021 Budget in Parliament. For this to happen, a transparent, middle ground approach of amendments to proposed improvements is necessary. It is crucial in this pandemic that the Budget's content is one that is able to both ensure health and catalyse economic well-being, rather than one that fulfills political agendas. Article in Malay.