Kuala Lumpur:The government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made a pivotal move to strengthen the independence of Parliament by relinquishing executive control over its administration. This decision marks a significant shift after more than three decades of parliamentary management under the executive branch.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Law and Institutional Reform, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, noted that this change would enable Parliament to independently oversee its affairs. She emphasized the importance of this development, highlighting the commitment to parliamentary independence that was agreed upon the previous year.

Azalina's comments came during a briefing on the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 and the Parliamentary Services Council (MPP) at the Dewan Rakyat. In response to Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim's suggestion for Parliament to manage allocations through the MPP, she reiterated the government's dedication to this newfound autonomy.

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin also acknowledged the government's actions but underscored the need for fairness in all Dewan Rakyat matters, particularly those impacting opposition members. He recommended that any administrative decisions be thoroughly considered by MPP representatives.

Ahead of the debate on the Supply (Budget) Bill 2027, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul reminded members of the significance of maintaining Parliament's restored autonomy. He praised the inclusion of both government and opposition representatives in the MPP, which fosters balanced discussions on administrative issues.

The Committee of Selection recently proposed Ramkarpal Singh and Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad as government representatives, and Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee and Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan for the opposition. These nominations were approved by the Dewan Rakyat through a motion presented by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.