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PETALING JAYA: Law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has suggested that a “Code of Ethics for MPs” be drawn up, which would be different from the provisions of the House of Parliament Standing Orders.

He said this Code of Ethics would outline a more detailed guide on the conduct and discipline of MPs inside and outside the House.

“The proposal to introduce this Code of Ethics is in line with the practice in other countries, including India and New Zealand,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Wan Junaidi said this was among three matters agreed in principle by the Cabinet under the proposed parliamentary reforms.

The other two matters, discussed at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, involved the formulation of the Parliamentary Services Act and amendments to the House of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 (Act 347).

He said the proposed Parliamentary Services Act would consider setting up the Parliamentary Services Commission as part of the Parliament administration, to have the autonomy to determine policies and governance of Parliament.

Among other matters to be studied are the proposals to set up a parliamentary services scheme, obtain financial resources and an annual budget for Parliament from the Consolidated Fund, regulated by the Parliamentary Services Commission itself.

This is in line with the principle of separation of powers.

Wan Junaidi said amendments to Act 347 were seen as important to make the Act more relevant and suitable to the current situation.

The Act concerns the powers and privileges of the House of Parliament, the freedom to speak and debate in House proceedings, and protection of people hired for the service of broadcasting papers of the House.

Wan Junaidi said amendments to the Act would contain provisions for barring MPs who have been charged in court from attending activities of the House.

“It is still being refined to adapt to developments and existing regulations of the Dewan Rakyat,” he said.

Following the Cabinet decision, Wan Junaidi said he had asked the Dewan Negara president and Dewan Rakyat Speaker to call for meetings of the committees they chaired to decide on the framework and engagement with stakeholders connected with the relevant laws.