Anwar plans to revive Parliamentary Service Act by 2020

KUALA LUMPUR: The Parliamentary caucus on reform and governance, headed by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic), is planning to revive the Parliamentary Services Act that was repealed in 1992.

According to the Port Dickson MP, the proposed bill would be able to strengthen the national parliamentary institution.

“We will meet the Speaker tomorrow (March 28) morning to discuss the upcoming necessary steps that need to be taken,” he told reporters after chairing the Parliamentary caucus on reform and governance meeting at Parliament Wednesday (March 27).

Anwar added that the proposed Bill will be revived with a new format and several necessary amendments.

Asked if the PKR president has a deadline to table the proposed Bill in Parliament, Anwar said he hopes it would be able to be tabled by the next Parliamentary session in 2020.

“But that’s my humble opinion as an MP. We have to deal with the Cabinet first, then Parliament, then get the draftsman.

“I think we can accelerate the process by ensuring the position of a Parliamentary draftsman to be in Parliament to coordinate with the Speaker as well as MPs,” he said.

Anwar added that the proposed revival of the Parliamentary Services Act was in line with the spirit of Pakatan Harapan.

“We must follow through (with the tabling of the Bill). It needs a policy agreement by the Cabinet, then action by the Speaker’s office.

“The Parliamentary draftsman should also function from the House so there is a direct relationship with the MPs or the relevant select committee,” he said.

The proposed Parliamentary Services Act will provide autonomy to the Parliament from any influence of the executive branch of the government.

It will also enable the House to conduct its own administration, staffing and financing.

Last October, Deputy Speaker Nga Kor Ming said that Parliament, in its present form, was in a way “subservient” to the executive as it is placed under the Prime Minister’s Department.