PETALING JAYA: G25 Malaysia has welcomed the enforcement of the Parliamentary Service Act (PSA) 2025 but said several provisions prevent it from ensuring genuine parliamentary independence.
In a statement dated Oct 20, the group said a key concern was Section 11(1), which requires the Chief Administrator of Parliament to be appointed from among members of the federal public service.
“This could perpetuate the administrative dependence that the establishment of a separate Parliamentary Service was intended to overcome.
“The Chief Administrator, who oversees Parliament’s overall administration, day-to-day affairs and financial matters, should instead be appointed from within the Parliamentary Service to ensure neutrality and prioritise institutional expertise,” it said.
The group also said the Act's funding provisions remained ambiguous, with no clear mechanism for determining Parliament's budgetary needs or resolving disputes over the adequacy of funding.
“Although Section 4(1)(b) empowers the Parliamentary Service Council (PSC) to oversee financial matters, Section 12 only requires the government to provide sufficient annual funding for the council to carry out its functions.
“The PSA does not establish a Parliamentary Budget Office or prescribe a clear, independent budget process.
“Such safeguards are necessary to secure Parliament’s financial autonomy and reduce its dependence on the Executive,” it added.
The group also raised concerns over public accountability, saying Section 14(1), which restricts the disclosure of information obtained through official duties, did not clearly distinguish sensitive information from routine administrative decisions, governance matters and financial information that should be open to public scrutiny.
"While the Act requires the PSC to maintain minutes of its meetings, it does not require their publication.
"It also does not establish a comprehensive public reporting mechanism, dedicated parliamentary oversight of the PSC's operations or a requirement for an annual report," it noted.
G25 Malaysia stressed that public reporting mechanisms were needed to make parliamentary decisions and operations accessible.
“If Parliament is to serve as the highest institution of public representation, it must remain open and accountable to the people,” it said.
The group also questioned whether the PSC could operate independently, as its membership includes the Treasury secretary-general or a representative, the Public Service Department director-general or a representative and the Chief Administrator as ex officio members.
G25 Malaysia said the Act also did not clearly define the categories of officers and staff covered by the Parliamentary Service, creating uncertainty over the scope of the institution.
“These gaps weaken the safeguards needed to ensure that the Parliamentary Service and the PSC operate independently, effectively and accountably,” it said.
Despite the shortcomings, the group acknowledged the progress represented by the establishment of a separate Parliamentary Service, the formation of the PSC and provision for opposition representation.
It called on the government to address the gaps, saying Parliament's independence could not be considered complete until stronger safeguards were in place.
