Parliamentary Services Act 2025 to Strengthen Malaysia's Parliament Autonomy

KUALA LUMPUR – The government's move to relinquish executive control over the administration of Parliament after more than three decades, through the enforcement of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025, will strengthen the administrative autonomy of the Malaysian Parliament.

International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Law Lecturer Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khairil Azmin Mokhtar said the act allows staffing, appointments, and administrative affairs of parliamentary officers to be managed more independently, thereby clarifying the principle of the separation of powers between the legislature and the executive.

He noted that previously, Parliament's administrative affairs were subject to the Federal public service structure following the repeal of the Parliamentary Services Act 1963 in 1992.

"This effort is a appropriate step and a continuation of efforts to solidify the institution of Parliament as one of the pillars of the country, based on the doctrine of the separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches," he told Bernama.

Khairil Azmin said the establishment of the Parliamentary Services Council (PSC) and the position of the Chief Administrator of Parliament are crucial components to streamline service management and reduce bureaucracy.

He also expressed the view that administrative autonomy has the potential to improve the quality of debates and decisions made by Members of Parliament through quality research support, data, and information.

"Members of Parliament need quality data, information, and research outcomes before making decisions. This is where the officers serving in Parliament play an essential role because they provide the necessary support," he said.

Meanwhile, he suggested four improvements to the act: detailing the scope of the parliamentary service—empowering the PSC to create new posts, strengthening financial autonomy, and enhancing accountability.

He said detailing the categories of officers and the power to create new posts is vital to meet administrative needs and expand career opportunities.

Khairil Azmin also proposed that the PSC be given room to submit its own budget proposals to reduce reliance on Ministry of Finance allocations, while the position of the Chief Administrator of Parliament should ideally be filled by an officer from the parliamentary service itself.

Furthermore, he suggested making annual reports mandatory for presentation in Parliament and establishing a monitoring mechanism through Parliamentary Select Committees to enhance transparency and accountability.

Previously, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul stated that the PSC is expected to be fully operational this December, following the enforcement of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 on Oct. 1.

The PSC will be co-chaired by the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat and the President of the Dewan Negara, with a total of 16 members.

On Oct. 14, the Dewan Rakyat approved a motion appointing four Members of Parliament as PSC members, namely 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).

The motion was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pursuant to Section 3(2)(f) of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said stated that the decision by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration to relinquish executive control over parliamentary administration represents a major milestone in strengthening the institution's independence after 33 years.