PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the importance of passing the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 to enable the full implementation of the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025, which aims to secure Parliament’s status as an independent and sovereign institution.
At the Dewan Negara today, Anwar highlighted that the proposed constitutional amendment is crucial for strengthening Parliament’s autonomy, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s broader institutional reforms.
"We are serious about fulfilling our mandate and promises. At present, Parliament is placed under the Prime Minister's Department. However, the Prime Minister has chosen to relinquish this power and strengthen Parliament as an independent body," he said.
Anwar acknowledged that while institutional reform is often discussed, it is not always easy for a Prime Minister to willingly transfer power.
"It’s easy to talk about institutional reform, but it is not that easy to get a Prime Minister who is willing to hand over power... but we have to do it because this will strengthen the spirit of independence," he added.
The amendment is not only pivotal for Parliament’s autonomy but also serves as a framework to reinforce the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judiciary, a principle that dates back to the leadership of Malaysia's first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, in 1957.
"This is a step to strengthen the principle of separation of powers, which has always been a cornerstone of our governance," Anwar noted.
Furthermore, the bill would facilitate the long-discussed Parliamentary Services Bill 2025, which has now been tabled and passed in the Dewan Rakyat, thus enabling Parliament to function more effectively and independently.
Anwar also spoke of the discussions that led to the amendments, assuring that the reforms would provide fair opportunities for parliamentary staff, ensuring their career progression.
"We did this after consulting with staff to ensure their career advancement is safeguarded, which is why there are some flexibilities allowing them to choose their service paths," he explained.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the passing of the bill would pave the way for a more transparent, accountable, and effective Parliament.
"This Bill is part of the effort to create a more transparent, principled, and credible state apparatus, and the Dewan Negara will be part of the history that helps shape a nation of integrity and transparency," he said. - March 20, 2025
