Parliament gets more independence: What will its new council actually do?

The Parliamentary Service Council is a new body established under the Parliamentary Service Act 2025 to oversee the administrative aspects of Parliament, aiming to enhance its independence from the executive branch. The council comprises 16 members, including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, the President and Deputy President of the Dewan Negara, two senators, and four MPs from both government and Opposition parties.

The four MPs selected include two from the government and two from the Opposition, nominated by the respective Dewan Rakyat and Senate committees and approved by their respective Houses.

The council's primary roles include appointing members of the Parliamentary Service, overseeing its financial matters, developing and implementing training and development programs for Parliamentary Service staff, and taking any other necessary steps to administer the service and fulfill its functions. The council also has the power to establish committees to assist in carrying out its responsibilities.

However, it does not directly run Parliament day-to-day; that role is held by Parliament's chief administrator, who handles the institution's overall administration and management, including day-to-day affairs and financial matters of the Parliamentary Service, under the council's general authority and directions.

To ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest, the council requires members to disclose any direct or indirect interests in matters being considered. Decisions are made by a majority of those present and voting, with the chairman having a casting vote in case of a tie. The Act establishes separate committees for staff promotions, disciplinary matters, and appeals.

The council's composition of parliamentary leaders, representatives from both the government and Opposition, and officials from the Treasury, Public Service Department, and Parliament's administration is designed to bring together diverse perspectives and ensure effective oversight of Parliament's administrative needs.