PUTRAJAYA: Bringing more independence to Parliament through the reintroduction of the Parliamentary Services Act is on new law minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s (pic) immediate agenda.

       The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) said the transformation of Parliament is one of his top three key performance indicators (KPI) for his first 100 days helming the portfolio.

       “I met both Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun last week to discuss the transformation of Parliament.

       “One main area the transformation will focus on is the reintroduction of the Parliamentary Services Act, which will be more comprehensive, to give independence to Parliament.

       “Another is a proposal to create a new Act of Parliament to replace the Houses of Parliament Privilege and Powers Act 1952 (revised 1988).

       “I am happy that both speakers were very positive about the proposals and even gave their commitment to take on lead roles in the transformation of Parliament.

       “In line with this, we have also agreed to form a joint committee between Parliament and the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) to ensure that the proposals discussed can be executed swiftly,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 7).

       The Parliamentary Services Act was enacted in 1963 after the formation of Malaysia but was later repealed in 1992.

       Transformation in the government sector is another KPI that Wan Junaidi is aiming to achieve.

       “I have discussed this with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and he has agreed in principle for the ministry to look into these transformation plans.

       “He said it is timely to carry out the necessary transformations in the government and parliamentary systems in order to suit the current social and political situation, as well as to be more equipped in dealing with modern-day challenges,” said Wan Junaidi.

       The Santubong MP also expressed his commitment to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) issue.

       “MA63 is an issue that is close to my heart and this will be one of my priorities. I have already met with the Sarawak attorney general and communicated with the Sabah attorney general regarding this matter.

       “I will be looking into a common ground between Sarawak and Sabah in finding a solution," he said.