KUALA LUMPUR: The Parliamentary Service Council is expected to be fully operational by December.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said the council would oversee Parliament's administrative autonomy, including officers' service schemes, career progression and administration, while ensuring compliance with the Parliamentary Services Act 2025.
"We hope the establishment of the council in December will enable Parliament to restore the principle of separation of powers and strengthen the country's democracy in accordance with the Federal Constitution," he said at a press conference after the Malaysian Parliament's Administrative Transition and Institutional Reform ceremony today.
He said the council's establishment followed the Act coming into force on Oct 1, restoring Parliament's administrative independence after 33 years under the Prime Minister's Department.
The 16-member council will be jointly chaired by the Dewan Rakyat Speaker and Dewan Negara president.
Its members will include the Public Service director-general, Treasury secretary-general, four MPs and two senators.
The senators will be elected when the Dewan Negara sitting begins on Nov 30.
"Today, we witnessed history, and Parliament will strengthen its role as a pillar of democracy.
"We pledge to fulfil our responsibilities and ensure that the true meaning of democracy is practised," Johari said.
Earlier, the Dewan Rakyat passed a motion tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to appoint four MPs to the council, comprising two government and two opposition representatives.
They 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 Baru).
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