Govt to table PSA Bill, constitutional amendment on Monday

Summary

• The government is set to table, debate and pass the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025, along with a constitutional amendment Bill, in the current Dewan Rakyat session.

• Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil says the first reading of the bill will be done on Feb 24, and the second reading is expected on March 4.

The government is set to table, debate, and pass the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025, along with a constitutional amendment Bill, in this current Dewan Rakyat session.

Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil in a statement said Minister in the Prime Minister Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Azalina Othman Said will table the two bills for first reading on Monday (Feb 24).

“The cabinet has also agreed for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to table the bills for the second reading, expected on March 4,” said Fahmi.

He said the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025 will set up a Parliamentary Council jointly chaired by the Dewan Rakyat speaker and Dewan Negara president, while the constitutional amendment bill is to allow the two individuals to be members of the council.

“The Parliamentary Services Bill 2025 is the first step in efforts towards institutional reforms and improvements to the country’s main democratic institution, Parliament,” said the communications minister.

Previously, civil society organisations pushing for the revival of the Parliamentary Services Act had urged Putrajaya to be transparent with its final draft of the bill.

Citing concerns over a possible “watered-down” version, the groups urge the government to hold a final engagement session with all stakeholders before the bill goes to the Dewan Rakyat.

The Parliamentary Services Act was first enacted in 1963, just a few months before the formation of Malaysia.

It allowed Parliament to act as a truly independent body, running its own affairs, selecting its staff and controlling its expenditure.

However, it was repealed in 1992 and then placed as a key reform agenda under the present administration.

PSA revival: Groups raise concern over 'watered down' bill

Expedite PSA revival, political funding law - Bersatu MP tells govt