Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla has unveiled a new protocol: the announcement of daily legislative responsibilities and functions undertaken by parliament and its members at the outset of each parliamentary session. The initiative, according to the speaker, aims to provide heightened transparency and clarity concerning the day's planned legislative activities.
This announcement was delivered by Speaker during Tuesday's parliamentary session, prompted by debate on allegations that certain members of parliament were receiving remuneration without attending sessions or fulfilling their legislative duties. In his response, Speaker stressed that the legislative responsibilities of parliamentarians extend beyond mere attendance at parliamentary sessions, encompassing a multitude of other essential functions.
Historically, the Speaker of Parliament would announce the agenda for the day's parliamentary session. However, the specific legislative duties undertaken by parliamentary committees were not previously disclosed to the public.
Speaker underscored the importance of keeping the general public continuously informed about the daily agenda and legislative responsibilities carried out by parliament. Ensuring the dissemination of these details falls under the purview of the lawmaker chairing the parliamentary sessions, he asserted.
Starting Tuesday, Speaker said, the chair of the parliamentary session will announce the complete daily agenda, inclusive of the legislative responsibilities and functions performed by the entire parliament and its members, at the beginning of each session. While some lawmakers may not be visibly present on the parliament floor during sessions, they may be engaged in meetings of parliamentary committees, he added.
"To illustrate the work of parliament, let me inform you that I have been on the parliament floor for approximately one hour and twelve minutes, debating a bill," Speaker elucidated.
"After the bill is accepted here, it is forwarded to a committee. The committee stage commences, and thorough research is conducted on the bill. Relevant stakeholders are invited to provide additional information, which we collect. We also acquire necessary information from the government. Following substantial effort during the committee stage, the bill is then presented to the parliament floor again," Speaker elaborated.
He added, "During the times spent in the committee stage, the honourable members of parliament are diligently fulfilling their legislative responsibilities. Informing you of this is my primary reason." In his remarks, Speaker also urged lawmakers to make the best use of the holy month of Ramadan.