Regrettably, the three Bills were passed on a Sunday (September 20) by a voice vote despite a request for an actual vote. The demand by the Opposition for discussion was also turned down.
At the heart of a constitutional democracy based on the Westminster model is the importance of Parliament, which is the fountainhead of all laws. The ruling party undoubtedly commands a majority and has the right to implement the promises it has made in its manifesto. But, “Parliament” includes the Opposition as well and even though a bill may be certain to become the law, it is necessary that the established procedure is followed. Thus, if a proposed legislation has far-reaching consequences, it is best to refer it to a Select Committee for consideration. The Committee then gets to deliberate the Bill, clause by clause, and away from the sometimes surcharged atmosphere prevailing in both Houses of Parliament. And even more important, the Select Committee can, and often does, get the views of experts on the impact, particularly economic, of a proposed law. In the end, it is always open to Parliament to accept or reject the recommendations of the Select Committee, but every citizen has the satisfaction that a new, important legislation has come into force after careful scrutiny.