What specific details can a PSSC examine when a Bill is committed before its second reading?

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A Parliamentary Special Select Committee Can Examine the Details, Merits, and Principles of a Bill Before Its Second Reading

When a Bill is committed to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) before its second reading, the committee possesses the authority to conduct a thorough examination of the Bill's specifics, including its underlying merits and fundamental principles. This scope of review is explicitly outlined within the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders (DRSO). The recent referral of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill 2026 to a PSSC on July 14 followed this established procedure, allowing for a comprehensive assessment prior to further parliamentary debate on its core tenets.
Scope of Examination Under Standing Order 55(1)

The authority for a PSSC to scrutinise a Bill's details, merits, and principles before the second reading is derived from Standing Order 55(1) of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders. This provision enables a more in-depth review, as the committee can delve into the entirety of the proposed legislation, not merely its technical aspects. This contrasts with a committal after the second reading, where the PSSC's mandate is restricted to debating the Bill's details, as stipulated in SO55(2).
Procedures for Committal to a PSSC

A Bill can be referred to a PSSC through two distinct procedures, as governed by Standing Order 54 of the DRSO. The first method, under SO54(1), allows for committal before the Bill undergoes its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat. The second method, under SO54(2), permits committal after the second reading but before the Bill is sent to a Committee of the whole House. The FOI Bill 2026 was referred under the former provision.
Significance of Pre-Second Reading Committal

Committing a Bill to a PSSC before its second reading, as was done with the FOI Bill 2026, signifies a procedural pathway that allows for a more substantive and potentially impactful review. This approach, in line with SO54(1) and SO55(1), suggests a commitment to a comprehensive evaluation of the Bill's substance and its alignment with broader principles, fostering a more transparent and inclusive legislative process.
Civil Society Engagement

The referral of the FOI Bill 2026 to a PSSC was met with anticipation from civil society groups, including the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), Article 19, and the C4 Centre. These organisations expressed the view that such a referral is a positive development, provided that the subsequent review process is conducted in a meaningful, transparent, and inclusive manner, involving substantive consultation with stakeholders.

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What specific details can a PSSC examine when a Bill is committed before its second reading?

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