KUALA LUMPUR: An administrative services council overseeing Parliament is slated to be formed by December this year, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
Johari said this would be done once the motion is passed in the Dewan Negara.
“This council will oversee matters under the Parliament Services Act, including the services of Parliament officers and their career paths, among others,” he told reporters after the Malaysian Parliament's Administrative Transition and Institutional Reform Ceremony on Wednesday (Oct 14).
He said the council will comprise the Dewan Negara president, Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Public Service Department (PSD) director-general, Treasury secretary-general, four MPs and two members of the Senate, among others.
“Today, we witnessed history and Parliament will strengthen our function as a democratic pillar of the country.
“We pledge to fulfil our responsibilities and ensure the true meaning of democracy will be practiced,” he said.
On a related matter, Dewan Negara president Datuk Seri Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah said two of its members will be appointed to the Parliamentary Services Council.
He said the two members will be appointed once the Dewan Negara convenes beginning Nov 30.
In a statement, Parliament said the revival of the Act reflects broad institutional reforms.
“Parliament must be ready to improve its competency, strengthen knowledge, practice a high-performance work culture and to carry out its responsibilities fairly.
“The Act also balances the aspects of autonomy, independence and sovereignty of the law, and will build the rakyat’s confidence in tandem with putting us on a firm foundation for bigger reforms,” it said.
This comes after the Parliament Services Act came into force on Oct 1.
