How can the Commissions of Enquiry Act 1950 be strengthened?

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The Commissions of Enquiry Act 1950 can be strengthened by introducing a mandatory deadline for tabling Royal Commission of Inquiry reports in Parliament.

The Commissions of Enquiry Act 1950 should be amended to ensure that reports from Royal Commissions of Inquiry (RCIs) are presented to Parliament within a set timeframe, rather than being subject to the government's sole discretion. This amendment would empower the Act to mandate the tabling of RCI reports, aligning with the fundamental purpose of these commissions to reveal truths to the public.
Establishing a Timeframe for Tabling Reports

A key amendment proposed is the inclusion of a specific deadline within the Commissions of Enquiry Act 1950 for the tabling of RCI reports. Currently, the Act does not stipulate a timeframe, leading to potential delays in the dissemination of findings to Parliament and the public. This lack of a fixed period allows for the tabling process to remain entirely at the government's discretion.
Ensuring Transparency and Public Access to Truth

The rationale behind establishing RCIs is to uncover and present factual information to the populace. Leaving the tabling of their reports solely to governmental discretion can undermine this objective. By mandating a deadline, the Act would ensure that the outcomes of these extensive inquiries are brought to light in a timely manner, fulfilling the commissions' purpose of informing the public.
Addressing Delays in Report Presentation

The necessity for such an amendment has been highlighted by recent events, such as the postponement of the Lembaga Tabung Haji RCI report's tabling. Although completed in 2023, its presentation to Parliament was initially deferred until 2026. This situation prompted discussions regarding the absence of a legal time period for tabling RCI reports, underscoring the need for legislative reform.

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How can the Commissions of Enquiry Act 1950 be strengthened?

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