Accra:A total of 53 parliamentary officers have opted to join a new service scheme following the enforcement of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 (Act 869) on October 1. This act restores administrative autonomy to the institution after more than three decades.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the group includes 34 Dewan Rakyat officers, 12 Dewan Negara officers, and seven officers from the Research Division. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said stated that existing officers have the option to join the new scheme or remain under their current service schemes, with a decision deadline set for January 15, 2027.
Azalina emphasized the importance of this transition to ensure that Parliament's autonomy is not only established in law but also reflected in effective administration and human resource management. She discussed this at a briefing on the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 and the Parliamentary Service Council (MPP) at the Dewan Rakyat.
The MPP will be co-chaired by the Dewan Negara President and the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, with members including the leadership of both Houses, parliamentary representatives, senior parliamentary officers, and three ex-officio members. The council will be supported by the Chief Administrator of Parliament and three specialized committees for promotions, disciplinary matters, and service appeals.
Azalina explained that under Section 4, the MPP is tasked with managing appointments to the parliamentary service, determining service terms and conditions, overseeing finances, developing training, and managing parliamentary service affairs. She stressed that the Parliamentary Service Council is an institution for the entire Parliament, not just the government.
Recently, the Selection Committee proposed Ramkarpal Singh and Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad as government representatives on the council, while Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee and Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan were proposed to represent the opposition. These appointments were approved by the House through a motion tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
For Dewan Negara, a Selection Committee meeting is scheduled for the end of November to propose two members for consideration at the next Senate sitting. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul expressed hope that the Parliamentary Services Act would enhance Parliament's role in lawmaking, checks and balances, and representation. He congratulated those who will serve as council members, viewing the new Parliamentary Service Council as a symbol of democratic maturity and an important legacy for future generations.