Dewan Rakyat to discuss anti-rent-seeking legislation, Malaysia’s Gaza diplomacy, an abandoned housing project, AI workforce transition and Budget 2027
KUALA LUMPUR: Legislation to curb ‘Alibaba’ licensing practices, Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts on Gaza and the fate of an abandoned housing project are among the key issues expected to be raised in the Dewan Rakyat today.
According to the Order Paper, Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) will ask the Economy Minister about the status of drafting the Anti-Rent-Seeking Act and the timeline for its tabling in Parliament to curb ‘Alibaba’ licensing practices.
The West Asia conflict is also expected to feature prominently, with Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) asking the Foreign Minister about Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts at the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to ensure that the ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza continue.
Also drawing attention is the fate of 1,120 residential units at the Residensi Wilayah Salak Selatan apartment project, with Fong Kui Lun (PH-Bukit Bintang) asking the Housing and Local Government Ministry to explain its rescue plan, including a proposal to appoint a rescue developer if the Scheme of Arrangement fails.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH-Tebrau) will raise preparations for workforce transition plans in response to the threat posed by artificial intelligence (AI), while Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) will ask about median wages and graduates working in jobs below their academic qualifications (underemployment).
Other matters on the agenda include the future direction of the Tabung Pahlawan, with Nordin Ahmad Ismail (PN-Lumut) asking the Defence Minister to explain its transformation; the distribution of aid to Sekolah Agama Rakyat in 2026, raised by Datuk Ahmad Saad @ Yahaya (PN-Pokok Sena); and agricultural input costs and bushfires on Pulau Bruit, Sarawak, raised by Sabri Azit (PN-Jerai).
After the question-and-answer session, the Dewan Rakyat will consider a motion to appoint Members of Parliament to the Parliamentary Services Council, to be tabled by the Prime Minister.
Under the motion, two government MPs, Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) and Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad (BN-Simpang Renggam), and two opposition MPs, Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) and Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), will be nominated to serve on the council in accordance with Section 3(2)(f) of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025.
The Dewan Rakyat will then continue debating the Supply Bill 2027 at the policy stage, following the tabling of Budget 2027 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, last Friday.
According to the calendar for the Third Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament, the policy-stage debate on Budget 2027 runs from Oct 12 to 22, before ministers deliver their winding-up speeches over four days beginning Oct 26.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting runs for 37 days until Dec 8.