Kuala Lampur, July 17 -- Professional inputs in our legislatures - the Federal Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies - are indeed essential, particularly, in scrutinising legislation and conducting inquiries, as well as informing government policy.

These inputs can come from several "engagement" channels, the first and arguably the most effective is parliamentary select committees.

For these committees to do their job well, they need professional and expert inputs on the specific issues they are tasked to inquire into - more so when the issues are complex.

Academics, industry professionals, scientists, and policy experts can be invited to testify in committee sessions. These are called oral or formal evidence.

Otherwise, these p...