Kuala Lampur, Feb. 8 -- You've just been voted in as a member of parliament, not under the executive branch but still excited nonetheless. You're enthusiastic about the possibilities, as you believe you have numerous ideas and recommendations that can assist the Rakyat. However, as parliament begins, you start to realise that your voice goes unheard. This is a common issue faced by many members of parliament, especially opposition backbenchers.

In Malaysia, for members of parliament not part of the executive branch to propose a law, they have to do it through a private member's bill. In simple terms, a private member's bill is a proposed law introduced by a member of a legislative body who is not part of the government.

While a private ...