Parliamentary Services Council: A Call for Transparency and Merit-Based Selection
PETALING JAYA: A government MP has proposed a joint oversight committee comprising members from both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara to ensure the parliamentary services council fairly represents the voices of both government and opposition MPs.
The Need for Transparency and Merit-Based Selection
Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) highlighted the importance of transparency and merit-based selection in the appointment of MPs to the parliamentary services council. At present, the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025 does not specify how the four MPs in the council would be selected, which she warned could lead to cronyism and political interests.
A Joint Oversight Committee
Syerleena proposed the establishment of a joint oversight committee to ensure the council functions with integrity and transparency. This committee would comprise members from both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara to ensure that the council fairly represents the voices of both government and opposition MPs.
Government’s Commitment to Transparency
Earlier, Bernama reported that the government had agreed to appoint two senators and four MPs, including two opposition representatives, to the parliamentary services council. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that a parliamentary committee would make the appointments tomorrow if the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025, which forms the foundation of the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025, was passed in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the selection process of MPs appointed to the parliamentary services council must be transparent and based on merit. The proposed joint oversight committee is a step in the right direction to ensure the council functions with integrity and transparency. As Syerleena Abdul Rashid emphasized, "Governments will change, leaders will come and go, but Parliament must remain strong. Future administrations must respect and uphold the independence of this institution."
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the parliamentary services council?
The parliamentary services council is a body established to oversee the services provided to MPs, including staff, facilities, and resources. - What is the current selection process for appointing MPs to the council?
The current process is not specified in the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025, which has raised concerns about potential cronyism and political interests. - What is the proposed solution to ensure transparency and merit-based selection?
The proposed solution is the establishment of a joint oversight committee comprising members from both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara to ensure the council functions with integrity and transparency.