Gov’t may reinstate Parliamentary Service Act, says deputy speaker

The Pakatan Harapan government is considering reinstating the Parliamentary Service Act 1963, said Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Nga Kor Ming.

He said the Act which was repealed in 1992 had to be restored to give Parliament autonomy over its administration and to enable it to play the role of check and balance in monitoring the government’s executive power for the benefit of the people and the nation.

"Among the reforms we are committed to, is liberating Parliament as an institution that truly reflects the separation of powers doctrine," he told reporters after launching the Kepayang assemblyperson Dr Ko Chung Sen’s service centre in Ipoh yesterday.

Nga was commenting on the debate by Johari Abdul (Harapan-Sungai Petani) at the Dewan Rakyat  sitting on Wednesday urging the government to seriously consider reinstating the Act to restore the integrity of Parliament.

Johari said that funds should be allocated directly to the institution, instead of through the Prime Minister's Department and this should also be the case for the appointment of staff.

Meanwhile, Nga, who is also Teluk Intan MP reminded members of Parliament to maintain their decorum throughout the sitting.

- Bernama