REINTRODUCTION OF PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE ACT PROVES GOVT’S COMMITMENT TO REFORM - MPS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 (Bernama) --  The Parliamentary Service Bill 2025, passed by the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday to restore Parliament’s autonomy, demonstrates the MADANI Government’s commitment in strengthening the country’s democratic system.

Describing it as a significant moment in history, Tuaran Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau said it also highlights the government’s dedication under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to ensuring Parliament functions more effectively as a power-balancing institution.

“The reintroduction of this Act not only restores the dignity and credibility of Parliament, but also proves the government’s sincerity in upholding transparency, accountability and integrity in national administration,” he said in a statement today.

The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) honorary president said it is also a step forward that aligns with the Malaysia MADANI aspirations, which emphasises integrity-based and people-centric governance and would serve as a catalyst for more progressive reforms for the nation.

“I believe that with the return of this Act, Parliament will be able to play its role more effectively in ensuring checks and balances on the executive, ultimately safeguarding the people’s well-being and national progress,” he added.

Madius expressed appreciation to Anwar for consistently listening to the views and suggestions, including from elected representatives of Sabah and Sarawak, describing this as a form of dignified reform.

Meanwhile, Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said that the Bill’s passing had checked one of the major manifestos of Pakatan Harapan since 1999 -- to restore democracy and provide more checks and balances to the government.

Apart from restoring the Parliamentary Service Act, he said the MADANI Government had introduced several initiatives in the Dewan Rakyat, including Prime Minister’s Question Time and debates on the Auditor General’s Reports.

Additionally, parliamentary debates now extend to reports from the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, the Public Accounts Committee and Parliamentary Special Select Committees.

“Many commented that Prime Minister Anwar was slow to deliver reforms, but let the records speak for themselves. The truth is institutional reforms are often slow and not sexy, yet they are essential for long-term institutional stability and political integrity.

“With stronger checks and balances, corruption will be greatly reduced and the government and Parliamentarians will remain accountable. Democracy is alive in Malaysia,” he said.

-- BERNAMA