KUALA LUMPUR: A comprehensive Cabinet memorandum is being prepared by the Legal Affairs Division under the Prime Minister's Department to ensure that the government can present the proposals for amendments to the Federal Constitution and the enactment of the Parliamentary Services Act (PSA).
Minister in Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the effort is among the government's aim to further enhance Parliament's role as the highest legislative body in the country.
"The Madani government under the leadership of the 10th Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) alongside the cabinet members in principle have agreed to the amendments to the Federal Constitution and PSA to grant autonomy to the Parliament in its administration and finances.
"A Parliament Services Council will also be established to oversee all administrative affairs of the Parliament under the new service scheme.
"This reformation is in line with the government's goal to strengthen the doctrine of separation of powers between the legislative and executive," she said in a parliamentary written reply on March 19, in response to Sim Tse Tzin (PH-Bayan Baru) who asked the prime minister to state the constraints faced by the government in enacting PSA.
Azalina added that several engagement sessions have been held in 2023 and 2024 with relevant parties including the Dewan Negara President, Dewan Rakyat Speaker, the Public Service Commission (PSC), the Public Service Department (PSD), Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) and Finance Ministry (MoF) to finalise the policy decision on the matter.
He added that following feedback received from PSD and MoF, a meeting was held in February alongside PSC and AGC organised by the Legal Affairs Division to examine the salary and pensions for officers employed under the Parliament Service Scheme.
"This is to ensure that their rights and interests are safeguarded."
PSA was first introduced in 1963 to allow Parliament to act as an independent body and manage its affairs, including the hiring of staff as well as managing its finances. However, the act was repealed in 1992.
Calls to revive the law had been aired for a few years among members of Parliament, including former Senate president Tan Sri Rais Yatim.
Last week, Azalina said the Parliamentary Services Bill is nearing 90 per cent completion.