Malaysia’s Parliamentary Services Act Takes Effect, Restoring a Dedicated Parliamentary Service After 34 Years

Malaysia’s Parliamentary Services Act 2025, known as Act 869, came into force on 1 October 2026 together with related amendments to the Federal Constitution, according to the New Straits Times. The law creates a dedicated parliamentary service intended to give the legislature greater independence in running its own administration, human resources and internal affairs.

What the Law Does

The new Act replaces a framework that was last in place more than three decades ago. According to the New Straits Times, the earlier Parliamentary Services Act 1963 was repealed in 1992, leaving Parliament’s staff and administration under the executive branch for 34 years. According to the New Straits Times, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Bill on 5 March 2025, followed by the Dewan Negara on 20 March.

Law and Institutional Reform Minister Azalina Othman Said said the Act restores Parliament’s autonomy by creating a dedicated parliamentary service and giving it greater independence and efficiency, according to the report. She described it as a milestone for the government’s institutional reform agenda and said it reinforces Parliament’s position as the highest legislative body in the country’s parliamentary democracy.

Part of a Wider Reform Push

Ms Azalina said, according to the New Straits Times, that the changes reflect a commitment to the doctrine of separation of powers and to checks and balances among the legislative, executive and judicial branches.

Why It Matters

Parliaments depend on control of their own staff, budgets and procedures if they are to scrutinise governments credibly. When a legislature relies on the executive for administration, critics often argue that its oversight can be weakened in practice, even where the law gives it formal powers. By returning that control to a dedicated service, Malaysia is attempting to narrow that gap. The real test will come in how the new service is staffed and funded, and whether the new arrangements change how committees, researchers and members work day to day. Other Commonwealth legislatures that have debated parliamentary autonomy will be watching the results.