GOVT AGREES TO APPOINT TWO OPPOSITION REPS TO PARLIAMENTARY SERVICES COUNCIL

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- The government has agreed to appoint two senators and four members of Parliament (MPs), including two opposition representatives, to the Parliamentary Services Council to improve its membership.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the appointments would be made by the Select Committee tomorrow if the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025, which forms the foundation for the drafting of the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025, is passed in the Dewan Rakyat today.

“I was made to understand that there is a proposal to improve the membership of the Parliamentary Services Council, and this can be done without amending the Bill by using the Standing Order 76 of the Dewan Rakyat.

“This, as advised by legal advisors, is sufficient to ensure not only independence (of the Council), but also representation from the opposition (in the Council).

“Hence, after several engagement events including with the opposition, the government has agreed to make amendments in the council membership tomorrow if this bill is passed...these appointments will be made by the Select Committee with approval from both the Dewan (Rakyat and Negara),” he said when tabling the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 for the second reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.

According to Anwar, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025, which aims to amend the Federal Constitution, is not just a minor amendment but also an effort to strengthen the doctrine of separation of powers to ensure that Parliament functions as a truly independent, authoritative, and competitive legislative body.

He said that this reform has been awaited for more than three decades and represents a bold step by the MADANI Government that will determine the direction of the country's democratic institutions for the current and future generations.

“The beauty of the concept of separation of powers lies in its balance; without excessive control by any party, justice can be upheld, freedom preserved, and power not abused. This is the foundation of a transparent and integrity-driven nation,” he said.

Anwar said that Malaysia has practiced the doctrine of separation of powers since gaining independence in 1957, making it an essential element in the country's administrative structure.

He also said that this principle is not only theoretical but has also been clearly provided for in the Federal Constitution, which forms the basis of the country's administrative system.

From 1957 to 1963, Parliament managed administrative affairs and resources without the Parliamentary Services Act, but a significant change occurred with the amendment to the Federal Constitution and the introduction of the Parliamentary Services Act 1963 during the administration of the first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, to grant autonomous power to Parliament.

Anwar explained that the Act at that time established the Parliamentary Services Advisory Committee, which was empowered in aspects of administration, human resource management, and finance.

However, in 1992, an amendment to the Federal Constitution was made, abolishing the Parliamentary Services established through the Parliamentary Services Act 1963.

According to the Prime Minister, this change was made to create broader career opportunities for parliamentary staff and provide space for experienced officers to manage the institution.

Ultimately, however, this resulted in the erosion of Parliament's autonomy, he said.

“Now, after 33 years, the MADANI Government is bringing the country's administration back on the right track with the drafting of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025, which will enable Parliament to function as a truly independent and sovereign institution.

“With strengthened autonomy, Parliament will be able to carry out its duties more effectively, safeguard the interests of the people, and maintain balance in the country's administrative system,” he said.

Anwar said the separation of powers is not just a basic principle in democracy but also a symbol of a fair and effective administrative system.

Thus, he said that with the proposed two Bills, the independence of the Parliamentary institution is not only strengthened but also marks a major success in the country's institutional reform efforts.

-- BERNAMA