KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 — Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul is leading a delegation from the Malaysian Parliament on an official visit to the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland starting today until May 2.
The Parliament said the visit is to deepen understanding of parliamentary governance, foster cooperation and strengthen relations between the Parliaments of the UK, Ireland, and Malaysia.
As a commitment of the Dewan Rakyat to inclusivity and cooperation in parliamentary affairs, the delegates include Special Select Committee (Human Rights, Elections, and Institutional Reform) chairman cum Selayang MP William Leong Jee Keen, Special Select Committee (Environment, Science, and Plantation) member cum Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee, and Special Select Committee (Infrastructure, Transport, and Communication) member cum Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam Khirudin.
During the programme, the delegation will participate in a series of discussions, workshops, and meetings aimed at enhancing knowledge and skills in parliamentary affairs.
"This is in line with the objective of this official visit, which aims to empower the Malaysian parliamentary delegation to contribute effectively to their respective parliamentary functions," it said in a statement today.
The Parliament added that the main targets of the visit include enhancing understanding of parliamentary governance and the structure and processes of Special Select Committees, sharing best practices for the operation of Dewan Rakyat, and strengthening relations between parliaments.
In the UK, Johari will be involved in important meetings and engagements, including with his counterpart, House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association chief executive Stephen Twigg.
In Ireland, he will pay a courtesy visit to its President Michael D. Higgins meet with Dáil Éireann (the Irish Parliament's lower house) Speaker Seán Ó Fearghaíl, as well as the Seanad Éireann (the Irish Parliament's upper house) Speaker Senator Jerry Buttimer
Additionally, Johari will deliver a public lecture titled ‘Asean-UK in the Asian Century’ to students at Lancaster University and strengthen efforts in bilateral dialogue and expertise exchange between academics and parliamentarians.
"This visit is part of the ongoing efforts of the Malaysian Parliament to enhance expertise, international cooperation and the cultivation of democratic values," said Parliament.
— Bernama
