Parliamentary Services Act 2025 Comes into Force Today

PETALING JAYA: The Parliamentary Services Act 2025 (Act 869) and related amendments to the Federal Constitution officially came into force today.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the enforcement of the Act marks a significant achievement in the government’s institutional reform agenda and a historic milestone for Parliament.

She said the move comes 34 years after the Parliamentary Services Act 1963 (Act 394) was repealed under the Constitution (Amendment) Act 1992 (Act A837), which came into force on Nov 20, 1992.

“After more than three decades, Act 869 restores Parliament’s autonomy by establishing a dedicated parliamentary service. This provides greater independence and efficiency in managing its own administrative affairs and human resources.

“This will further strengthen Parliament’s position as the supreme legislative body in the country’s parliamentary democracy system,” she said in a statement today.

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, 2025.

The Dewan Rakyat passed the Bill on March 5, followed by the Dewan Negara on March 20, 2025.

The Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, granted royal assent to the Bill on July 9 before it was gazetted on July 18, 2025.

Azalina expressed the government’s gratitude to Sultan Ibrahim for consenting to Oct 1, 2026, as the date for the enforcement of Act 869 and the related amendments to the Federal Constitution.

“With stronger institutional autonomy, Parliament can now carry out its constitutional functions and responsibilities to the people with greater independence, effectiveness and credibility,” she said.

She also expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Leader of the House, the Cabinet and all stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society, for their cooperation in making the reform a reality.

UTUSAN