KUALA LUMPUR: Reviving the proposed Parliamentary Services Act (PSA) is a big step in reforming national institutions, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said the revival of the PSA will allow Parliament to function as an independent body with its autonomy being enhanced.
“The Parliament will be able to carry its responsibilities more effectively,” said Anwar when tabling the Federal Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2025 for second reading at the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (March 4).
Anwar said the bills to revive the PSA, if passed in the Dewan Rakyat, will strengthen the doctrine and principles of separation of powers so that the Parliament can function as a free and competitive legislative body.
“These are among reforms that have been demanded for over three decades,” said Anwar.
Anwar said the proposed revival of the PSA is a historical moment.
“This Bill is a legacy that will shape a better future for Malaysia,” added Anwar.
A total of 17 MPs were given seven minutes to debate the Federal Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The Federal Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025 are in relation to the proposed revival of the PSA.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said is slated to table the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025 after the Federal Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2025 is passed.
The PSA was first enacted in 1963, just a few months before the formation of Malaysia.
The PSA allowed Parliament to act as an independent body running its own affairs, selecting its own staff and managing its expenditure.
However, it was repealed in 1992 by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his first tenure as prime minister.
