SHAH ALAM, March 4 — The move to enforce the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 will strengthen the institution’s position as the nation’s policymaker, said Gombak MP Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari.
He had raised the matter during his first speech as an MP on February 20, 2023, urging for the Act to be reinstated as it was before 1992 to ensure that Parliament continues to be respected.
“This is a good start for Parliament to set its own policies and direction. We are beginning with the Parliamentary Services Council. The Prime Minister has expressed his commitment to establishing a dual function.
“In addition, the management of Parliament can be fully controlled by the Speaker, who will also involve Opposition representatives. I believe this can later be expanded to permanent regulations, including those concerning finance, research, and many other matters.
“The government also needs to determine the cost of running Parliament. Currently, there is no clear provision or funding for administration, management, or facilitating committee members’ meetings with external representatives,” he said while debating the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Amirudin also proposed that the Parliamentary Services Council invite educators as well as former Speakers and MPs to serve as expert advisors.
“Following this, I believe the council can evolve into a policymaker and planner responsible for the welfare of MPs. I also hope the council includes voices from the states. I welcome the involvement of senators from the Dewan Negara,” he said.
Earlier today, the Dewan Rakyat today passed the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 to enable the government to reinstate and re-enforce the Parliamentary Services Act.
The government has also agreed to appoint two members of the Dewan Negara and four Dewan Rakyat MPs, including two Opposition representatives, to the Parliamentary Services Council to enhance its membership.
