Anwar calls the Parliamentary Services Act a cornerstone of reform that strengthens Parliament’s independence and the maturity of Malaysia’s democracy.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the implementation of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 as a key step by the MADANI Government towards fulfilling its reform pledge to the people, including limiting powers traditionally held by the government.
He said the move was a key pillar of the country’s reform agenda, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening Parliament’s independence and advancing the maturity of the country’s parliamentary democracy.
“I consider this change and the Parliamentary Services Act important because they give meaning to parliamentary democracy and reflect the maturity of our democratic system.
“This is one of the important steps that I regard as a cornerstone of the MADANI Government’s reform agenda – fulfilling our promise to the people by introducing and passing the Parliamentary Services Act to limit powers traditionally held by the government,” he said.
Anwar was speaking at the Malaysian Parliament’s Administrative Transition and Institutional Reform ceremony, held at the Parliament Building here today in conjunction with the implementation of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025.
Also present were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Dewan Negara President Senator Datuk Seri Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Recounting the history of parliamentary administration, Anwar said efforts to strengthen Parliament’s independence had been a long process, dating back to the introduction of relevant legislation in the 1960s before it was repealed in 1992.
He said the reinstatement of the Parliamentary Services Act reflected the commitment to further advancing parliamentary democracy, with its success also depending on the credibility of the leadership of both houses and the willingness of MPs to support the reform.
Anwar also expressed hope that the independence and new powers granted to Parliament would be used to strengthen the capabilities and professionalism of its staff, while improving the quality and decorum of parliamentary debates.
“With Parliament now having the independence and authority to develop the capabilities of its own staff and enhance their professionalism, we also hope to see improvements in the quality of debates and the decorum of proceedings, in keeping with its new powers.
“This requires the cooperation of all parties, including members of the government administration, government MPs and opposition MPs. The independence granted must be exercised with an understanding of the limits and responsibilities inherent in a democratic system,” he said.
At the Dewan Rakyat sitting this morning, a motion tabled by Anwar to appoint four MPs to the Selection Committee under the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 was passed by a majority vote.
The four MPs, comprising two government representatives and two from the opposition, are Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor), Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad (BN-Simpang Renggam), Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) and Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu).