THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND BI-PARTISAN MALAYSIAN MPS TO EMBARK ON PRODUCTIVE OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND

Kuala Lumpur, 22 April 2024-- The Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr.) Johari bin Abdul, will lead the Parliament of Malaysia’s delegation on a significant official visit to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland from 23 April to 2 May 2024. This visit aims to deepen understanding of parliamentary governance, foster collaboration, and strengthen relationships between the UK, Irish, and Malaysian parliaments.

Accompanying the Speaker will be Hon. William Leong Jee Keen, MP Selayang and Chairman of the Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform, Hon. Rodiyah binti Sapiee, MP Batang Sadong and Member of the Special Select Committee on Environment, Science and Plantation as well as Hon. Ir. Ts. Hj. Khairil Nizam bin Khirudin YB Jerantut and Member of the Special Select Committee on Infrastructure, Transportation and Communications, reflecting Malaysia's commitment to inclusivity and collaboration in parliamentary affairs.

Throughout the programme, the delegation will engage in a series of discussions, workshops, and meetings designed to enhance knowledge and skills in parliamentary affairs. The objective of this visit is aimed to empower the delegation to contribute effectively to the functioning of their respective parliamentary functions.

Key objectives of the programme include:

• Deepened Understanding of Parliamentary Governance: The delegation will gain insights into parliamentary governance and the separation of powers, laying the groundwork for effective legislative processes.

· Enhanced Knowledge of Committee Structures and Processes: The programme will provide the delegation with valuable insights into the structures of select committees and their processes for undertaking enquiries, facilitating informed decision-making in parliamentary committees.

• Sharing of Best Practices for House Proceedings: The delegation will exchange good practices for House proceedings, including quality question sessions and debates, ensuring the effective functioning of parliamentary sessions.

• Strengthened Relationships Between Parliaments: The visit aims to foster closer ties between the members of the UK, Irish, and Malaysian parliaments, promoting collaboration and mutual understanding.

During the visit, the Speaker will engage in several key meetings and engagements:

• Meetings with UK Parliament Officials: The Speaker will meet with his counterpart, The Rt. Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, and Mr. Stephen Twigg, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), to explore opportunities for collaboration and strengthen parliamentary ties.

• Official Visit to Dublin, Ireland: Upon the invitation by the The Parliament of Ireland (Parlaimint na hÉireann), the Speaker will engage in a series of courtesy calls on the President of Ireland, H.E. Michael D. Higgins to strengthen bilateral relations. Additionally, the Speaker will meet H.E. Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Speaker of Dáil Éireann (Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann) and H.E. Sen. Jerry Buttimer, Speaker of Seanad Éireann (Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann).