In April 2024, CPA UK hosted a delegation from the Parliament of Malaysia in Westminster. The delegation was led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency Johari bin Abdul.

The programme sessions examined the operation of parliament, including the tabling of business and Standing Orders. Malaysia’s consideration of the new Parliamentary Services Act made these topics timely and important. This bill could bring in some of the most significant changes to the running of the Parliament of Malaysia in decades.

The legislation would give the Parliament of Malaysia greater power to run its affairs, select its staff, and control its expenditure. Proponents argue that this will empower parliamentarians to provide greater scrutiny to the government. The bill is modelled on the first Parliamentary Services Act that was enacted in 1963 but repealed by the government in 1992.

Malaysia’s parliamentary committees have been in operation for five years. In 2019 the Malaysian Parliament created its first committee, taking inspiration from the Australian Parliament. In that same year the then Malaysian Speaker visited the UK Parliament, following the first change of governing party in Malaysia's 61-year history.

There are now 10 select committees in the Malaysian Parliament, with 9 members from the government and 3 from the opposition on each. The visiting delegation in April this year appreciated this opportunity to engage UK parliamentarians and officials on the running of committees and how similar issues are being addressed in their respective legislatures.

The visit strengthened the ties between the two parliaments. On the UK side there was significant interest in preparations for Malaysia to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025. The delegation also acknowledged the value of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians network in connecting female parliamentarians from across the globe.  

CPA UK welcomed the opportunity to host H.E. Abdul and the delegation and looks forward to partnering with the Parliament of Malaysia on future activities.