LAW and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced that the Parliamentary Services Act (PSA) is nearing completion, with draft laws already in place. Azalina revealed that the process is at an advanced stage with approximately 90% of the work accomplished.
This progress comes after a series of meaningful engagement sessions held throughout 2023 and 2024, involving key stakeholders such as the Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Senate president Mutang Tagal and officials from various governmental bodies including the Public Services Commission, Public Service Department, Finance Ministry, Attorney-General’s Chambers, and the legal affairs division under the Prime Minister’s Department.
The minister explained that these sessions were instrumental in finalising the relevant policy resolutions related to the PSA.
“These sessions aim to finalise the relevant policy resolutions on this matter. So, the answer here is indeed (the act) is already 90% ready. The draft laws are also ready. Just waiting for the right time, as asked by Raub MP Chow Yu Hui earlier about the timeline.”
Moreover, Azalina proposed synchronising the tabling of the PSA with the constitutional citizenship amendment which Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail intends to present, to ensure sufficient support.
Despite this proposed synchronisation, Azalina expressed confidence in garnering support from all 222 MPs for the PSA.
“I am confident because this amendment is not only for the citizens out there but for all of us as MPs.”
Echoing this sentiment, Johari confirmed that the tabling of the proposed PSA remains a priority for the current legislative session.
Furthermore, the revival of the PSA has been a subject of discussion among MPs and former Senate president Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jafar indicating a growing consensus on the importance of reinstating legislation initially enacted in 1963.
The PSA which originally granted Parliament independence in managing its affairs, staff selection, and expenditure control was repealed in 1992. – March 13, 2024
Main photo credit: Bernama
