What powers does a PSSC have when a Bill is committed under Standing Order 54(1)?

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A Parliamentary Special Select Committee Can Discuss the Details, Merits, and Principles of a Bill Under Standing Order 54(1)

When a Bill is committed to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) under Standing Order 54(1) of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders (DRSO), the committee possesses the authority to deliberate on the Bill's specific details, as well as its broader merits and principles. This particular provision allows for a comprehensive examination of the proposed legislation before it progresses further in the legislative process.
Scope of Review Under Standing Order 54(1)

Standing Order 55(1) of the DRSO explicitly outlines the powers of a PSSC when a Bill is committed to it before its second reading, which is the procedure followed under Standing Order 54(1). This means the committee is empowered to go beyond a superficial review and engage in a substantive discussion concerning the fundamental aspects of the Bill. The inclusion of "merits and principles" signifies that the committee can scrutinize the underlying rationale and overall value of the proposed law.
Distinction from Other Committal Procedures

It is important to differentiate this process from a committal made after a Bill's second reading, which falls under Standing Order 54(2). In such a scenario, the PSSC's mandate is restricted; it is explicitly prohibited from debating the principle of the Bill and must confine its review solely to the Bill's details, as stipulated by Standing Order 55(2). Therefore, a committal under Standing Order 54(1) offers a more extensive and foundational review opportunity.
Application to the Freedom of Information Bill 2026

The recent referral of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill 2026 to a PSSC under Standing Order 54(1) exemplifies this procedural power. This action, welcomed by civil society groups such as the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), Article 19, and the C4 Centre, suggests a commitment to a thorough and inclusive legislative review. Such a committal allows for a meaningful examination of the FOI Bill's potential impact and effectiveness, aligning with calls for transparency and stakeholder consultation.

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What powers does a PSSC have when a Bill is committed under Standing Order 54(1)?

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