Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said emphasized the importance of maintaining impartiality within Parliamentary Service as Malaysia implements the Parliamentary Services Act (PSA), aiming to strengthen the institution’s capacity and uphold effective governance.
As Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department responsible for Law and Institutional Reform, Azalina highlighted the role of the Parliamentary Service in supporting all members of Parliament—both government and opposition—by providing impartial services, research, and administrative assistance. She noted that despite political differences, all MPs and senators are part of the same legislative body, which ultimately serves the Malaysian public.
“The parliamentary institutions, facilities, research capacity, committee support, and administrative services must collectively serve the entirety of Parliament,” Azalina said. She stressed that these resources do not belong to the ruling government or any individual political party but are intended to strengthen the Parliament’s ability to fulfill its constitutional duties.
The PSA and accompanying constitutional amendments, effective earlier this month, are designed to enhance Parliament’s institutional framework, enabling legislators to better perform their roles. These roles include debating and passing legislation, scrutinizing government policies and expenditure, engaging in Select Committees, and representing the interests of millions of Malaysians.
Azalina pointed out that such responsibilities require a balance between political commitment and strong institutional backing. She argued that a more robust Parliament contributes to more effective and accountable governance. “Effective scrutiny does not necessarily obstruct government; it can improve it,” she said, underlining the value of parliamentary oversight as a means of enhancing policy and administration.
The statement comes as Malaysia seeks to reinforce the autonomy and professionalism of its legislative branch, reinforcing the principle that parliamentary support services must remain neutral to preserve the democratic process and foster cooperation across the political spectrum.