To formulate government policy and exercise control over its
implementation. In other words, the Cabinet is the apex of the
executive branch of government. It is the body that provides a
general oversight and coordination of government policies.
It is a body in which many of the most important political
decisions are taken and reported. This can clearly be seen on
the weekly ministerial meeting chaired by the PM or DPM.
It plans the business of Parliament and answerable to it as
well via individual and collective ministerial responsibility.
17
The Doctrine of Ministerial Responsibility
(Collective & Individual):
Meaning of ministerial responsibility
- Wade & Bradley
defined the doctrine as: “Within a democratic state, those who
govern should be accountable, or responsible, to whom they
govern”.
Marshall and Moody described ministerial responsibility as:
“Ministers are responsible for the general conduct of
government…”
Note
: Ministerial responsibility is a doctrine that governs the
constitutional relationship between the Cabinet, Parliament
and the civil service.
The purpose behind the doctrine is based on the notion that
the Government (executive) being part of Parliament is
answerable, accountable and responsible to it for the way it
steers the ship of state.
18
The Doctrine of Ministerial Responsibility
(Collective & Individual):
The doctrine of ministerial responsibility is divided into
two: collective and individual. In England, this doctrine
is not founded on law but on conventions of the
constitution. On the other hand, in Malaysia, collective
responsibility is explicitly acknowledged in Art 43(3) of the Federal Constitution. But individual responsibility is founded on unwritten conventions and political norms.
