Parliamentary Services Act 2025 takes effect today

PUTRAJAYA: The Parliamentary Services Act 2025 (Act 869) and related amendments to the Federal Constitution take effect today, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen Parliament's institutional autonomy.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the enactment of Act 869 was a significant achievement for the Madani government's institutional reform agenda and a historic milestone for the Malaysian Parliament.

She said this came 34 years after the Parliamentary Services Act 1963 (Act 394) was repealed under the Constitution (Amendment) Act 1992 (Act A837), effective Nov 20, 1992.

"More than three decades on, Act 869 restores Parliament's autonomy by creating a dedicated parliamentary service, giving it greater independence and efficiency in managing its administration, human resources and affairs.

"This will further strengthen Parliament's position as the highest legislative body in the country's parliamentary democracy," she said in a statement today.

Azalina said the government also expressed its gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, for granting consent to set Oct 1, 2026, as the date on which Act 869 and the related constitutional amendments would come into force.

She said the reform also reflected the government's commitment to upholding the doctrine of separation of powers and the system of checks and balances among the legislative, executive and judicial branches.

"With stronger institutional autonomy, Parliament can carry out its constitutional functions and responsibilities to the people more independently, effectively and credibly," she said.

She also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Leader of the House, the Cabinet and all stakeholders, including non-governmental and civil society organisations, for their cooperation in bringing about the reform.

"The Madani Government will continue to pursue its institutional reform agenda in a structured and sustained manner to strengthen the country's democratic institutions and ensure public confidence in national institutions is maintained," she said.

The Parliamentary Services Bill 2025 was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Feb 24, 2025, followed by its second reading on March 4.

The Dewan Rakyat passed the Bill on March 5, followed by the Dewan Negara on March 20.

Sultan Ibrahim consented to the Bill on July 9, and it was gazetted on July 18, 2025.