The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has questioned the need to introduce Deputy Executive Councillor (Exco) positions in Negeri Sembilan, saying the state government has functioned effectively without such appointments.
Bersih chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz said the state administration under Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim should instead focus on strengthening the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly (DUN) and its oversight mechanisms.
He said improvements should include enhancing the effectiveness of the State Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and establishing more parliamentary-style select committees based on Exco portfolios, similar to the system practised in the Selangor State Assembly.
According to Faisal, such reforms would enable both government and opposition assemblymen to play a greater role in monitoring the executive branch and ensuring Exco members carry out their duties responsibly and transparently.
He also suggested the state government establish additional committees to address priority issues, following the example of the Perak State Assembly, while strengthening research support to improve the quality of debates in the legislature.
“State assembly members can play a much bigger role in strengthening governance through these institutional reforms,” he said in a post on X on Tuesday.
His remarks came after Ismail revealed that the state government was considering the creation of Deputy Exco positions to reinforce the state administration.
The Menteri Besar also said the new state executive council would comprise representatives from coalition parties including Barisan Nasional (BN), PAS, and Parti Wawasan Negara (WAWASAN).
Faisal added that Bersih and the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) are currently working together under the Multi-Party Democracy Caucus Secretariat (KDPP), which brings together state assembly members from various political parties and states to strengthen legislative institutions.
He stressed that the gap between state legislative assemblies and Parliament, particularly in terms of checks and balances, should be narrowed to improve governance and accountability.
