Dewan Negara

Dewan Negara
Name	Dewan Negara
Native name	مجلس نڬارا
House type	Upper house
Body	Parliament of Malaysia
Foundation	11 September 1959
Leader1 type	President
Leader1	Rais Yatim
Party1	United Malays National Organisation
Election1	19 June 2023
Leader2 type	Deputy President
Leader2	Nur Jazlan Mohamed
Party2	United Malays National Organisation
Election2	19 June 2023
Members	70
Political groups1	Government (42), Barisan Nasional (20), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (6), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (6), Pakatan Harapan (5), Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (2), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (1), Parti Bangsa Malaysia (1), Parti Warisan (1), Opposition (28), Perikatan Nasional (28)

Dewan Negara. The Dewan Negara is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of Malaysia, formally established under the provisions of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. It functions as a chamber of review, deliberating on legislation passed by the lower house, the Dewan Rakyat, and provides representation for the thirteen states and the Federal Territories of Malaysia. Often described as a house of sober second thought, its role is primarily advisory and revisory, lacking the power to block supply bills or ultimately veto legislation passed by the elected lower chamber.

History

The concept of a bicameral legislature in Malaya was first proposed by the Reid Commission, which drafted the initial framework for the nation's constitution following independence. The Dewan Negara was formally constituted on 11 September 1959, several years after the establishment of the Dewan Rakyat, to ensure a measure of federal and state balance within the parliamentary system. Its structure and functions were modeled in part on the House of Lords of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth upper houses, intended to provide experienced scrutiny. Over the decades, its composition has been adjusted through constitutional amendments, including changes to the number of members appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Composition and membership

The Dewan Negara consists of 70 members, known as Senators. The membership is derived from two primary streams: 26 are elected by the State Legislative Assemblies, with each of the thirteen states contributing two members. The remaining 44 members are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister, a provision designed to include representatives of indigenous communities, minority groups, and individuals with distinguished careers in professions like law, business, culture, or public service. Senators serve a single three-year term, renewable once, with the exception of those representing the states, whose terms are linked to the dissolution of their respective state assemblies.

Powers and functions

Constitutionally, the Dewan Negara possesses legislative powers co-equal with the Dewan Rakyat in most areas, with several critical exceptions. It cannot initiate or amend money bills, which include the annual federal budget and taxation legislation; its role is limited to a 30-day review period for such bills. Its primary function is to review, deliberate, and suggest amendments to public bills passed by the lower house. The chamber also has the power to initiate legislation on non-financial matters and plays a role in constitutional amendments, which require a two-thirds majority in both houses. It serves as a forum for debate on matters of national policy, often featuring less partisan discourse than the elected chamber.

Role in the legislative process

A bill passed by the Dewan Rakyat is sent to the Dewan Negara for consideration. The Senate may pass the bill, reject it, or pass it with amendments. If the Senate rejects a bill or amends it, the Dewan Rakyat may override the Senate's decision by passing the original bill again in the following parliamentary session. After this second passage, the bill is presented for Royal Assent without needing the Senate's approval, effectively making the upper house's veto a suspensive one. This process underscores its revisory rather than determinative role in law-making. Debates in the chamber often provide detailed technical and regional perspectives on proposed laws.

Relationship with the Dewan Rakyat

The relationship between the two houses is defined by the supremacy of the elected Dewan Rakyat in most legislative matters, particularly concerning finance and the ultimate passage of laws. While ministers, including the Prime Minister, are drawn from and accountable to the Dewan Rakyat, members of the Cabinet may also be appointed from the Dewan Negara, though this is less common. Joint sittings of both houses are convened only for specific purposes, such as the election of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the passage of certain constitutional amendments. The dynamic ensures the government's agenda, driven by the lower house, cannot be permanently obstructed by the upper chamber.

Current composition and leadership

As of the current term, the Dewan Negara has 70 seats. The government bloc, supporting the administration of Anwar Ibrahim, holds a majority. The President of the Senate is Rais Yatim, a senior figure from the United Malays National Organisation, and the Deputy President is Nur Jazlan Mohamed. The composition reflects the broader political alliances in the Dewan Rakyat, including members from the Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalitions. The main opposition bloc is formed by senators from the Perikatan Nasional coalition. The leadership oversees the parliamentary business and administration of the chamber from within the Parliament building in Kuala Lumpur.

Category:Parliament of Malaysia Category:Upper houses of national legislatures Category:National legislatures in Asia