Kuala lumpur: The implementation of the Parliamentary Service Act (PSA) provides Parliament with the scope to streamline its legislative role, including strengthening special select committees to assist the government in identifying shortcomings and addressing public issues, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the enactment of the PSA created a new environment after Parliament operated under executive oversight for 33 years, enabling the legislative body to play a more independent role in contributing to national prosperity. Under this framework, 10 ministry-related committees have been established, each comprising 12 Members of Parliament (MPs) from both government and opposition backbenchers who do not hold ministerial or deputy ministerial posts.

The committees are granted broad terms of reference and powers under the Standing Orders to summon any party for hearings on public issues or ministerial execution shortcomings. These committees will produce reports and recommendations that can be debated in the Dewan Rakyat, ensuring their views and proposals receive serious attention from the executive.

This was stated by Johari at a press conference following the opening of the Conference of Speakers of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies 2026 by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail. Johari emphasized that this approach allows for early identification of oversights or issues at the ministerial level before they escalate into larger problems.

Johari noted that previously, major decisions were predominantly made by the executive, and any operational flaws could lead to prolonged complications. He added that the PSA also facilitated Parliament in planning and implementing reforms, as legislative-related decisions are now made by the Speaker and Parliament, with the minister in charge of law and parliamentary affairs acting as a coordinator.

Meanwhile, Johari mentioned that the conference served as a platform to share best practices between the Malaysian Parliament and state legislative assemblies to strengthen federal-state legislative ties based on the principles of federalism. The conference provides an avenue to deliberate on enhancement proposals and produce resolutions to guide legislative institutions in the future. Among the areas identified for strengthening is bringing the legislature closer to the public, including creating more opportunities for citizens and students to engage with Parliament and state assemblies.