Kuala Lumpur: The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Parliamentary Service Bill 2025 were tabled for the first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today. These bills aim to amend the Federal Constitution and enhance the functioning of the country's Parliament. The presentation was led by Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform). She indicated that the second reading of both bills is scheduled for the current session.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 proposes changes to the Federal Constitution, including amendments to Articles 56 and 57 by adding a new Clause (5A). This clause specifies that individuals elected as the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the Senate and Dewan Rakyat shall not be disqualified from their positions due to their role in the Parliamentary Service Council. However, it stipulates that the President or Deputy President of the Senate should not receive any monetary benefits from such membership.

The Bill also aims to modify Article 65 of the Federal Constitution to allow the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to appoint the Clerk of the Senate and the Clerk to the House of Representatives. These appointments can be made from within or outside the general civil service of the Federation.

The Parliamentary Service Bill 2025 seeks to establish a distinct Parliamentary Service, separate from the public service. It outlines the formation of the Parliamentary Service Council, which will be responsible for appointing members of the Parliamentary Service, managing financial aspects, and developing training programs. The Bill mandates that the government allocate adequate funds annually to enable the Council to fulfill its duties.