THE implementation of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 reflects the government’s commitment to institutional reforms, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the Act would limit the executive’s control over Parliament and pave the way for greater institutional independence.
“These are among the important milestones of the government when it comes to implementing reforms, including the introduction and passing of the Parliamentary Services Act, which will limit the executive’s control over Parliament,” he said at the Malaysian Parliament’s Administrative Transition and Institutional Reform Ceremony yesterday.
Anwar said the reforms would also pave the way for improved quality of debates in Parliament in line with its greater autonomy.
He acknowledged that Malaysia’s parliamentary system had long favoured the government, despite earlier efforts to establish greater institutional independence.
In his speech, Anwar congratulated Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor), Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad (BN-Simpang Renggam), Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) and Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) on their appointment to the Parliamentary Service Council.
The four MPs were appointed to the council earlier yesterday.
Speaking to reporters later, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said an administrative services council overseeing Parliament was expected to be formed by December.
“This council will oversee matters under the Parliamentary Services Act, including the services of Parliament officers and their career paths, among others.
“We pledge to fulfil our responsibilities and ensure the true meaning of democracy will be practised,” he said.
Dewan Negara president Datuk Seri Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah said two senators would also be appointed to the Parliamentary Service Council when the Dewan Negara convenes from Nov 30.
In a statement, Parliament said the Act marked a broader institutional reform effort.
“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.
The Act came into force on Oct 1.
The Dewan Rakyat passed the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025 on March 5 last year, establishing the parliamentary service as a separate entity from the civil service.
The previous Parliamentary Services Act 1963 was repealed in 1992, after which Parliament was placed under the Prime Minister’s Department, with a minister overseeing its administration.
