KUALA LUMPUR: Instead of a shadow cabinet, opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has formed 25 committees to monitor the performance of government ministries.

At a press conference in the Parliament lobby today, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice president Mohamed Azmin Ali (Gombak) said that the committees, comprising PKR, PAS and DAP members of parliament, will oversee the government ministries.

However, he said the committees were not equal to a shadow cabinet as it is for the opposition MPs to prepare themselves better during parliamentary debates and discussions.

Apart from the committee overseeing the Prime Minister’s Department, other committees comprise one MP from each of the three PR parties, said Azmin.

According to Tony Pua (Petaling Jaya Utara-DAP), the committees are not the same as a shadow cabinet as this is recognised in Malaysia.

"In other parliamentary systems, shadow cabinets are recognised and given separate funding and staffing by the government," said Pua, who will monitor the higher education ministry.

"There is no such system in Malaysia. By forming committees, we can discuss and share resources while monitoring the ministries."

The Prime Minister’s Department committee has seven PKR MPs, seven PAS MPs and four DAP parliamentarians. The parties are led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Permatang Pauh-PKR), Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (Marang-Pas) and Lim Kit Siang (Ipoh Timur-DAP).

Azmin, Dr Dzulkifli Ahmad (Kuala Selangor-PAS) and Lim Guan Eng (Bagan-DAP) will oversee the finance ministry while the home ministry will be watched by Datuk Johari Abdul (Sg Petani-PKR), Salahuddin Ayub (Kubang Kerian-PAS) and Karpal Singh (Bukit Gelugor-DAP).