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Penang State Legislative Assembly

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Penang State Legislative Assembly
NamePenang State Legislative Assembly
House typeUnicameral
JurisdictionPenang
Foundation1959
Leader1 typeSpeaker
Leader1Law Choo Kiang
Election12023
Leader2 typeDeputy Speaker
Leader2A. Kumaresan
Election22023
Leader3 typeChief Minister
Leader3Chow Kon Yeow
Election32023
Members40
Political groups1Government (29), Pakatan Harapan (19), DAP (19), Barisan Nasional (10), UMNO (10), Opposition (11), Perikatan Nasional (11), BERSATU (11)
Last election12023
Meeting placeBangunan Dewan Undangan Negeri Pulau Pinang, George Town
Websitehttps://adun.penang.gov.my/

Penang State Legislative Assembly. It is the unicameral legislature for the Malaysian state of Penang, established following the first state elections in 1959. The assembly convenes at the Bangunan Dewan Undangan Negeri Pulau Pinang in George Town and is composed of 40 elected representatives known as State Assemblymen. Its primary role is to enact state laws, approve the state government's budget, and provide legislative oversight of the executive branch led by the Chief Minister of Penang.

History

The establishment of the assembly followed the independence of the Federation of Malaya and the Cobbold Commission which shaped Malaysian federalism. The first assembly was convened after the 1959 state election, initially operating under the Alliance Party coalition. Significant political shifts occurred after the 1969 general election and the subsequent May 13 incident, leading to periods of dominance by the Barisan Nasional coalition, particularly its major component UMNO. A major political transition happened following the 2008 general election, when the Pakatan Rakyat coalition, led by the Democratic Action Party (DAP), ended Barisan Nasional's decades-long control, with Lim Guan Eng becoming Chief Minister of Penang. This shift was reaffirmed in subsequent elections including the 2018 and 2022 national polls.

Composition

The assembly comprises 40 members elected from single-member constituencies across Penang Island and Seberang Perai. The current composition stems from the 2023 Penang state election. The governing coalition, a partnership between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, holds a majority with 29 seats. Pakatan Harapan's seats are entirely from the DAP, while Barisan Nasional's seats are all from UMNO. The official opposition is the Perikatan Nasional coalition, which holds 11 seats, all from the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU). This arrangement reflects the ongoing political realignments within the Politics of Malaysia.

Functions and powers

Its core function is the enactment of state laws on matters under the State List of the Federal Constitution, such as land tenure, Islamic law, and local government. The assembly approves the annual State budget presented by the Chief Minister of Penang, who is a member of the assembly, and holds the state executive accountable through Question Time and debates. It also has the power to amend the Constitution of the State of Penang and plays a role in the appointment of the state's Governor. Its legislative scope is defined within the framework of Malaysian federalism and is subject to the supremacy of the federal constitution.

Leadership

The presiding officer is the Speaker, currently Law Choo Kiang of the DAP, who is elected by the assemblymen to regulate debates and enforce standing orders. The Deputy Speaker is A. Kumaresan. The leader of the majority party or coalition in the assembly is appointed as the Chief Minister of Penang, the head of the state executive council; this position is held by Chow Kon Yeow of the DAP. The leader of the largest opposition bloc is recognized as the Leader of the Opposition.

Committees

The assembly operates through a system of select committees and standing committees which scrutinize legislation and government administration in detail. Key committees include the Public Accounts Committee, which examines the Auditor-General's reports on state finances, and various select committees focused on specific policy areas like infrastructure and community welfare. These committees are typically composed of assemblymen from both the government and opposition benches, facilitating bipartisan examination of state matters.

Building

The assembly convenes in the purpose-built Bangunan Dewan Undangan Negeri Pulau Pinang, located at Lebuh Light in the heart of George Town. The building is situated within the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is near other historic landmarks like Fort Cornwallis and the Penang High Court. Its architectural design incorporates modernist and local elements, symbolizing the state's governance. The building houses the main chamber, offices for the Speaker and assemblymen, and library facilities.

Category:Penang Category:State legislatures of Malaysia Category:Unicameral legislatures