STAFFING AND HR ISSUES TO BE RESOLVED TO EXPEDITE PARLIAMENTARY SERVICES BILL

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- A meeting to address staffing and human resource issues within the Parliamentary service will be held this year, to expedite the tabling of the Parliamentary Services Bill.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced that the meeting will be chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“The only remaining issue in the bill is the proposal regarding parliamentary officers. This is the last outstanding matter.

“Once this meeting is updated, resolved, and concluded, Insya-Allah I hope that by 2025, the Parliamentary Services Bill and the Federal Constitution (Amendment) Bill can be presented to the Cabinet for policy approval.

“This will make way for the amendment of the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952,” she said while winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2025 at the policy stage for the Prime Minister’s Department in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Azalina explained that the proposed Parliamentary Services Bill is part of the MADANI Government’s institutional reform agenda, aimed at strengthening Malaysia's Parliament through the separation of powers between the legislature and the executive.

The Pengerang MP added that, under this proposal, the new Parliamentary service will have the autonomy to set policies and governance for Parliament, including matters related to human resources, administration, finances, and other related areas.

She also noted that several engagement sessions have taken place since 2023, with input from the Public Service Commission, the Public Service Department, NGOs, civil society groups, and the Legal Affairs Division.

On the additional allocation for Parliament announced in the Budget 2025, Azalina said it includes funding for the Special Select Committee, which acts as a monitoring body.

“This is a positive development because the Special Select Committee includes both the government and the opposition. I believe every committee should play a monitoring role, and I’m confident this will foster greater accountability,” she said.

-- BERNAMA