Malaysia implements Parliamentary Service Act 2025 to boost autonomy

The implementation of the Parliamentary Service Act 2025 (Act 869) has begun, marking a significant step toward strengthening the institutional independence of Malaysia's Parliament. The act, which came into force on October 1, establishes the Parliamentary Service Council (MPP) to manage parliamentary services independently and professionally.

As of the latest update, 53 officers—comprising 34 from the Dewan Rakyat, 12 from the Dewan Negara, and seven from the Research Division—have agreed to join the new service scheme. Officers have until January 15, 2027, to decide whether to join the new scheme or remain under their existing service arrangements.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said stated that this transition is vital to ensuring parliamentary autonomy is reflected in administration and human resource management. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that this reform aims to enhance professionalism, the quality of debate, and parliamentary decorum, calling for cooperation from both the government and the opposition to ensure the legislature functions as a mature democratic institution.