Dewan Rakyat Passes Parliamentary Services Act

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PARLIAMENT | The Dewan Rakyat has passed the Parliamentary Services Act (PSA) with several amendments, marking a historic return of the law that gives some autonomy to the legislative body in managing its operations.
The bill tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said received resounding support from both sides of the divide during a voice vote presided by Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul this afternoon.
Prior to this, the bill was debated by 35 MPs.
The new law provides for the establishment of the Parliamentary Service and Parliamentary Service Council, allowing Parliament to manage its own administration independent of the public service system.
The PSA’s passage was preceded by yesterday’s constitutional amendment, paving the way for the former to be re-enacted.
Tabled for its first reading on Feb 24, PSA is a significant legislative move towards restoring the independence of Parliament.
It ensures the democratic separation of powers by ensuring that Parliament holds power over its own affairs rather than depending on the executive branch of government.
The Parliament Service Act provides Parliament with extra staff, including clerks for both the upper and lower Houses. The staff will be appointed from the general public service and shall hold office until the age of compulsory retirement.
New council
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Service Council will be chaired by the Dewan Negara president with the Dewan Rakyat speaker as co-chair, followed by the deputy presidents and deputy speakers.
The council will include two Dewan Negara members and four Dewan Rakyat members as well as the clerks of both Houses and other government officials.
The last time the Malaysian Parliament had autonomous power was between 1963 and 1992.
Prior 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, Tunku Abdul Rahman, to grant autonomy to Parliament.
However, in 1992, an amendment to the Federal Constitution was made, abolishing the law.
According to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who tabled the Constitution Amendment Bill to pave the way for PSA yesterday, this change in 1992 was made to create broader career opportunities for parliamentary staff and provide space for experienced officers to manage the institution.
Prime Minister Anwar IbrahimUltimately, however, this resulted in the erosion of Parliament’s autonomy, he added.
It should be noted that Anwar served as finance minister and Permatang Pauh MP in 1992. - Mkini

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