THERE is a lively renewed discussion among the scientific community in Malaysia for the establishment of a Parliamentary Select or Standing Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
The idea is not new, of course. We have been discussing this at Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) and other fora for a good many years now. Lengthy discussions took place during recent ASM’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Committee (STIPAC) meetings.
I have myself been arguing for such a Committee as part of the wider public debate on STI issues and their impact on the socio-economic fabric of Malaysia. The existence of such a parliamentary committee will add to our capacity to provide STI advice.
NOTE: Tan Sri Omar is a senior fellow with the Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
