Strengthening Democracy: Parliament’s Autonomy Restored
The recent passage of the Parliamentary Service Bill 2025 by the Dewan Rakyat marks a significant moment in the history of Malaysia’s democratic system. This move demonstrates the MADANI Government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s democratic foundations and ensuring the effective functioning of Parliament as a power-balancing institution.
A Step Towards Greater Transparency and Accountability
According to Tuaran Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau, the reintroduction of this Act not only restores the dignity and credibility of Parliament but also proves the government’s sincerity in upholding transparency, accountability, and integrity in national administration. He believes that with the return of this Act, Parliament will be able to play its role more effectively in ensuring checks and balances on the executive, ultimately safeguarding the people’s well-being and national progress.
A Catalyst for Progressive Reforms
The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) honorary president agrees that this step forward aligns with the Malaysia MADANI aspirations, emphasizing integrity-based and people-centric governance. This move is expected to serve as a catalyst for more progressive reforms for the nation.
Prime Minister’s Commitment to Reform
Madius expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for consistently listening to the views and suggestions, including those from elected representatives of Sabah and Sarawak, describing this as a form of dignified reform. This commitment to reform is evident in the government’s introduction of initiatives such as Prime Minister’s Question Time and debates on the Auditor General’s Reports, as well as the extension of parliamentary debates to reports from the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, the Public Accounts Committee, and Parliamentary Special Select Committees.
A Promise Kept
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin noted that the Bill’s passing has checked one of the major manifestos of Pakatan Harapan since 1999 – to restore democracy and provide more checks and balances to the government. He emphasized that institutional reforms are often slow and not sexy, yet they are essential for long-term institutional stability and political integrity.
Conclusion
The restoration of Parliament’s autonomy is a significant step towards strengthening Malaysia’s democratic system. With the return of this Act, Parliament will be able to play its role more effectively in ensuring checks and balances on the executive, ultimately safeguarding the people’s well-being and national progress. This move is a testament to the MADANI Government’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and integrity in national administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the Parliamentary Service Bill 2025?
A: The bill restores Parliament’s autonomy, ensuring the effective functioning of Parliament as a power-balancing institution.
Q: What are the benefits of this move?
A: It will lead to greater transparency, accountability, and integrity in national administration, as well as ensure checks and balances on the executive.
Q: What is the role of the Prime Minister in this process?
A: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has consistently listened to the views and suggestions of elected representatives, demonstrating a commitment to reform and upholding the principles of integrity-based and people-centric governance.
Q: What are the next steps?
A: The government will continue to work towards implementing reforms, ensuring the effective functioning of Parliament and the country’s democratic system.