G25 said the bills fall short of ensuring full autonomy for Parliament and carry a risk of maintaining excessive oversight by the government. It said the Parliamentary Services Bill 2025 does not deal with shortcomings in the 1963 version of the law or even improve on them.
Next week, MPs are expected to debate the bill and an accompanying constitutional amendment that will enable the proposed reforms.
However, G25 said in a statement today that “true reforms should not merely revive outdated provisions, but must instead introduce comprehensive safeguards that ensure genuine change for the better that is relevant to our time.
The group’s concerns stem from provisions that allow the government to influence key appointments, promotions, and disciplinary actions within Parliament’s administration.
“For Parliament to truly function as a check and balance against the executive branch and to preserve the principle of legislative independence, further refinements to the bill and the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 are necessary,” it said.
G25 also raised concerns over financial autonomy, calling for clear mechanisms for budget allocation and the establishment of a parliamentary budget office to ensure independent financial oversight.
It further criticised secrecy provisions which could limit transparency in parliamentary affairs. “While certain levels of confidentiality are necessary for security reasons, excessive restrictions on public access to parliamentary matters could undermine accountability,” it said.
The two bills were tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday, and they are scheduled for debate next Tuesday.
Earlier today, former law minister Zaid Ibrahim said the bill was poorly drafted and gave no clue about its purpose. However, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan of DAP said the bill was only the first step towards establishing a truly independent Parliament and not the final step. - FMT
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