MPS DESCRIBE PARLIAMENTARY SERVICES BILL AS TIMELY, DEBATE IMPROVEMENTS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- Members of Parliament (MPs) today described the amendment to the Federal Constitution and the introduction of the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025 as timely and viewed them as the government’s effort to strengthen the doctrine of separation of powers to ensure the independence of the Parliament.

The 18 MPs from the government and opposition blocs, who were involved in the debate of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, which forms the foundation for the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025, at the Dewan Rakyat today did suggest various forms of improvements and other related matters.

Howard Lee Chuan How (PH-Ipoh Timur) said the constitutional amendment would strengthen Parliament and return to it the power to manage its own administration, following the practice of other developed countries such as Canada and India.

“The amendment is the first step towards a competitive Malaysian Parliament and not just a body that bows to the executive… today, we will change democracy for our esteemed institution,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had stressed when tabling the amendment bill for the second reading earlier that it was not a minor change but an effort to strengthen the doctrine of the separation of power. 

He described it as a reform that was over three decades in the waiting, and a brave step for the MADANI Government, which will determine the direction of the Parliament not only for the current generation but also for future generations to come.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (GRS-Beluran) expressed his appreciation to the Prime Minister for taking the opposition’s view into consideration by including two representatives in the Parliamentary Service Council to improve its membership pool.

He also suggested that the government extend the discussion period for the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025 by setting up a committee to ensure that, once enacted, the new legislation would really function to improve the Parliament and its administration.

Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) pointed out that the budget allocation for Parliament was the most critical aspect in the amendment to ensure that it had stronger authority.

“When Parliament is lifted to its rightful place, it also shows that the people’s voice, represented by elected officials, are heard and given more rights. I hope that the reform will be followed by other various amendments.

“This is the first step towards the proper direction and needs to be supported to enable further measures to be arranged so that finally our democratic process will really have meaning,” Cha said.

-- BERNAMA