THE government has been urged to reinstate the Parliamentary Services Act, which was repealed in 1992, in an effort to enhance the autonomy of Parliament, including the Dewan Negara as an influential forum in determining national policy.

During the debate on the royal address by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in Dewan Negara today, senator Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff said the act should be reinstated with improvements and added value that is appropriate for that purpose.

“As stated by Rais Yatim when he was appointed Dewan Negara president, this house is not of secondary importance, but of primary importance.

“The proposal is to reinstate the Parliamentary Services Act with appropriate amendments based on the provisions and experience in other competent senates such as Australia,” he said.

Yusmadi said it included reviewing the term of office of Dewan Negara members from the current three years to a longer period as practised in some countries such as Canada.

The matter also received the attention of Rais, who urged members of the Dewan Negara to make a unanimous motion on the matter so that it could be recognised.

The sitting continues tomorrow. – Bernama, September 9, 2020.