Kuala Lumpur: The Parliamentary Services Bill 2025 will be tabled for the second reading tomorrow, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He stated that once approved, the bill would enhance the country’s democratic system by improving parliamentary independence in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the bill reflects the maturity of the country’s democratic process, ensuring that Parliament serves as a cornerstone for MPs’ freedom of speech without being overly constrained by the broader public service framework. The bill requires the support of two-thirds of the Members of Parliament for approval and was introduced for the first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on February 24.
The Parliamentary Services Bill 2025 aims to establish a Parliamentary Service separate from the public service, marking a new chapter in strengthening the institution of Parliament. This move is part of the MADANI Government’s agenda to implement institutional reforms by separating powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Since the repeal of the Parliamentary Services Act 1966 in 1992, Parliament has been under the Prime Minister’s Department, with a minister overseeing its administration.
Anwar, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, stressed the importance of enhancing civil servants’ understanding of the bill to ensure they recognize the development and growth of the country’s democratic system. He urged departments and key officials like the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Public Service Director-General Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz to help monitor and enhance understanding among civil servants.
Meanwhile, Anwar mentioned that the Public Administration Efficiency Bill, currently in the drafting stage, aims to improve the evaluation system and performance of the country’s public service. On February 16, Shamsul Azri reported that the bill is in its final stage and is expected to be gazetted before the end of the year.
Anwar, when tabling Budget 2025, reiterated the MADANI government’s commitment to public service reforms to promote good governance and increase productivity. The Public Administration Efficiency Bill aims to reduce bureaucracy, expedite processes, and improve service efficiency.
The assembly was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.