How does SO54(1) differ from SO54(2) in committing Bills to a PSSC?

Question

Accepted Answer

SO54(1) and SO54(2) Differ in the Scope of PSSC Review for Bills

Standing Order 54(1) allows a Bill to be referred to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) before its second reading. In contrast, Standing Order 54(2) permits a Bill to be committed to a PSSC after its second reading but prior to its referral to a Committee of the whole House. This distinction in timing significantly impacts the scope of the PSSC's examination.
Scope of Discussion Under SO54(1)

When a Bill is committed to a PSSC under SO54(1), the committee is empowered to deliberate on both the detailed provisions of the Bill and its overarching merits and principles. This broader mandate, as outlined in SO55(1) of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders (DRSO), allows for a comprehensive review of the legislation before it proceeds further in the parliamentary process. The Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill 2026 was committed under this provision.
Scope of Discussion Under SO54(2)

Conversely, a Bill committed to a PSSC under SO54(2) has a more restricted scope of review. According to SO55(2) of the DRSO, the PSSC in this scenario must confine its discussions solely to the details of the Bill. The principle of the legislation is explicitly excluded from debate, suggesting a less in-depth examination compared to a committal under SO54(1).
Implications for Bill Review

The procedural difference between SO54(1) and SO54(2) has practical implications for the depth and nature of parliamentary scrutiny. A committal under SO54(1), occurring before the second reading, facilitates a more substantive and potentially more inclusive review, as the committee can engage with the fundamental aspects of the proposed law. This was the case for the FOI Bill 2026, which civil society groups had welcomed being referred under this standing order.
Timing of Committal

The critical distinction between the two standing orders lies in the stage of the legislative process at which the committal occurs. SO54(1) allows for early referral, enabling a PSSC to shape or provide feedback on a Bill's core elements before they are formally debated in principle at the second reading. SO54(2) involves a later referral, after the Bill's principles have already been accepted in principle during the second reading, thus limiting the committee's focus to the finer points of the legislation.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How does SO54(1) differ from SO54(2) in committing Bills to a PSSC?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends