Dewan Rakyat to make Kuwaiti system a benchmark for improvement

Malaysia intends to make Kuwait's parliamentary system as one of its benchmarks, Deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker Rashid Hasnon said today.

Rashid said this follows a five-day 'benchmarking’ visit to Kuwait by delegates from the Dewan Rakyat and the parliaments of other countries – such as Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

“Facilities at the parliament in Kuwait include a seven-star hotel, and an MP is given three minutes to speak without interruption from others because their microphones will be switched off.

“In Malaysia, other MPs can interject a speaking member, as stated in (point) number 37 of Standing Orders of the Dewan Rakyat, and will cause a distraction,” he told Bernama.

Rashid said this during the farewell ceremony of the Kuwaiti ambassador to Malaysia Saad Abdullah Al-Asousi, whose tenure will end July 31.

The Standing Orders state that no member shall interrupt another member except by rising to a point of order, or to seek clarification on some matter raised.

Rashid also praised Kuwait’s parliamentary system's administrative process and their unicameral legislative body.

"They use the unicameral system, where they do not have a senate. 

"The Malaysian parliamentary system uses a bicameral system, so the process (of passing a bill) is quite long," he added.

Meanwhile, Al-Asousi said Malaysia-Kuwait bilateral relations will continue to be reinforced with the presence of the new ambassador Hamad Bou-Rahma, who will begin his tenure in August.

Malaysia and Kuwait shared diplomatic ties since the setting up of the embassy in Kuwait City in 1974, and the establishment of the Kuwait embassy in Kuala Lumpur in 1980.

- Bernama