The Perak State Assembly Speaker delivering his speech at the State Assembly Researcher Strengthening Workshop opening ceremony.

IPOH, 24 November 2021- The Perak State Assembly remains committed in strengthening researchers and special officers in relation to significant research on state assembly matters.

Perak State Assembly Speaker Dato' Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid said this was very important in making decisions in the interest of the people of Perak.

“Currently, the Perak State Assembly has 3 Research Officers in the State Assembly Research Unit who conduct research work related to the Assembly.

"They are also part of the Special Select Committee secretariat at the Perak State Assembly in ensuring that research and reporting are carried out carefully and systematically," he said.

He said this when officiating the State Assembly Researcher Strengthening Workshop organised by the Perak State Assembly and Institute for Political Reform and Democracy (REFORM) at Hotel Casuarina@Meru here today.

Dato' Mohammad Zahir said the Perak State Assembly also welcomes research from public or private universities, non-governmental organisations and even think tanks in the state to contribute their research results to the State Assemblymen in making this institution an informed legislative body.

“Maybe it is time for Parliament or the State Assembly to conduct a study on the need for State Assembly members to have a special researcher to help them with research work, and whose salaries are paid by the government.

"Such ideas have long been practised in several Commonwealth countries, namely the United Kingdom, Australia and so forth," he added.

The State Assembly Researcher Strengthening Workshop was attended by 80 participants comprising the Menteri Besar’s special officer, State Exco members, State Assemblymen, State Assembly researchers and Perak Youth Assembly representatives.

The workshop’s aim was to provide exposure to the participants in relation to the best research practices of the legislative services, particularly in providing services to all Assembly members.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.