The CPA Parliamentary Academy Residency programme has been held in Malaysia for 32 Commonwealth Parliamentarians. The CPA programme examined how MPs can be better performing legislators and scrutineers and provided an extension of the CPA Parliamentary Academy, the CPA’s portfolio of online courses specifically for Parliamentarians and parliamentary officials.

The CPA Advanced Parliamentary Development Residency Programme was hosted by the Parliament of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur from 22 to 28 September 2024 and attended by MPs from a wide range of Commonwealth jurisdictions including Malaysia; Selangor, Sabah and Sarawak (Malaysia); India Union; Arunachal Pradesh, Puducherry, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh (India); St Helena; Northern Ireland; Belize; Gambia; Kenya; Free State (South Africa); Seychelles; Australia; Western Australia and New South Wales (Australia) and  Pakistan.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat) at the Parliament of Malaysia, H.E. Tan Sri Dato' Johari bin Abdul said:

“The Parliament of Malaysia was delighted to welcome Commonwealth Parliamentarians for the latest CPA Parliamentary Academy Residency. The provision of training, networking and parliamentary exchange is vital for the professional development of Members of Parliament and the Parliament of Malaysia values these opportunities to work with colleagues from across the Commonwealth.

The shared experiences and insights gained here will not only enhance our collective parliamentary practices but will also deepen the mutual understanding that underpins the Commonwealth’s enduring spirit of unity. It is through such programs that we continue to build bridges, exchange ideas, and create networks that would last well beyond the duration of this residency.”

Participants were mentored throughout the programme by current and alumni Parliamentarians and Clerks from across the Commonwealth including:

• Hon. Gervais Henrie, MP, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Seychelles.
• Hon. Kate Doust, MLC from Western Australia.
• Hon. Carmelo Abela, MP from Malta.
• Kasthuri Patto, former Member of Parliament, Malaysia.

The programme of the Residency was based on a mentoring and coaching approach. Participants identified practical solutions to the challenges they face and honed their skills at a higher level through simulations, role-play, one-to-one discussions, group activities and exercises.

Delegates at the Residency programme also visited the Selangor State Legislative Assembly where they were received by the Speaker, Hon. Lau Weng San, met with State Members for a discussion on legislative reform and other topics, and toured the Parliamentary Chamber.

Since the launch of the CPA Parliamentary Academy in 2021 there have been five Residency courses for Parliamentarians, hosted by New South Wales (Australia), Western Cape (South Africa), Alberta (Canada), Scotland and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Residency was the first aimed solely at Parliamentary Clerks.

The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg, said:

“I am very grateful to the Parliament of Malaysia for hosting this edition of the CPA Parliamentary Academy’s Residency programme. These programmes provide an invaluable service in allowing participants to develop their skills as effective Parliamentarians and network with other Legislators.”

The CPA Parliamentary Academy continues to expand, with new online courses covering human rights and chairing a Parliamentary Committee set to launch in 2024. The next CPA Residency Programmes will be the ‘Advanced Parliamentary Development and Skills-building Residency Programme for MPs’ due to be hosted by the Parliament of Malta in Valletta in February 2025 and the ‘Advanced Residency Programme for Leadership in Parliament for Clerks and Officials’ due to be hosted by the Parliament of New Zealand in Wellington in June 2025.

For further information about the CPA Parliamentary Academy courses please email hq.sec@cpahq.org.

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The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association connects, develops, promotes and supports Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and the implementation of the enduring values of the Commonwealth. The CPA is an international community of around 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance.

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