Azalina: Selection committee to meet Oct 13 on Parliamentary Service Council members

On Oct 13, the Parliamentary Selection Committee will convene to discuss the Parliamentary Service Council's membership. Prime Minister's Department's Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said explained that two entities will emerge from the Parliamentary Service Act 2025, with the council being one of them. The council will oversee services and include MPs from both Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, secretaries from both houses, and representatives from both government and opposition benches, with a chairperson and deputy chairperson from the two houses.

Speaking at an Asian International Arbitration Centre event, Azalina emphasized the importance of the council's structure, particularly the establishment of a parliamentary draftsman and other independent facilities. She highlighted that the act will apply regardless of which party is in power, ensuring Parliament belongs to the people and has no bias towards the government or opposition.

The council will allow government employees to choose between staying in the Public Service Department or transitioning to the new service. Once established, the government will offer employees the option to remain in the existing Public Service Department or transition to the new service. The act aims to ensure Parliament functions independently without federal government or executive intervention.