In the Dewan Rakyat today: Focus on fiscal deficit risks, school bullying, and cybersecurity issues

In the Dewan Rakyat today: Focus on fiscal deficit risks, school bullying, and cybersecurity issues

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — The nation’s fiscal outlook, following the rollout of multiple cash aid initiatives and subsidy restructuring measures, will be among the key issues debated in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Local
Local

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — The nation’s fiscal outlook, following the rollout of multiple cash aid initiatives and subsidy restructuring measures, will be among the key issues debated in the Dewan Rakyat today.

According to the Order Paper published on the official Parliament website, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut) will question the Finance Minister on whether Malaysia is at risk of recording a higher fiscal deficit.

Meanwhile, Dr Halimah Ali (PH-Kapar) will press the Education Minister to detail the government’s concrete steps to curb the growing problem of bullying in schools and educational institutions — incidents that have, in some cases, led to serious injuries and deaths.

She is also expected to ask about the preventive, monitoring, and early intervention mechanisms in place, as well as actions taken against perpetrators and administrative parties found negligent in managing such cases.

Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PH-Bandar Tun Razak) will direct a question to the Digital Minister on the strategic measures being taken and planned to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity, especially amid the surge in scams involving weaponised artificial intelligence (AI).

Separately, Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) will seek clarification from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister on the system used at petrol stations nationwide, along with the steps taken to ensure services align with the government’s targeted RON95 petrol subsidy and its cost implications.

Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (PH-Beruas) will also question the Education Minister on whether the government intends to relax the one-year National Professional Qualification for Educational Leaders (NPQEL) course requirement before principal appointments, in light of the shortage of principals in government-aided secondary schools.

Following the question-and-answer session, ministers will deliver their winding-up speeches on the Motion for the Auditor General’s Report (LKAN) 3/2025, covering the 2024 Federal Government Financial Statements.

Also scheduled for tabling are the second readings of the Hire-Purchase (Amendment) Bill 2025, Private Agencies (Amendment) Bill 2025, Urban Renewal Bill 2025, and Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024.

The Third Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament is set to run for 35 days, until Dec 4. — Bernama

In Parliament today, lawmakers are expected to raise issues on the country’s fiscal position, subsidy reforms and school bullying. — Bernama pic

Latest

January 22, 2026
World
World
Japan suspends nuclear reactor startup following alarm triggered during operations.

TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.

January 18, 2026
World
World
Taiwan’s Lin triumphs at India Open despite ‘dirty’ conditions

NEW DELHI, Jan 18 — Taiwan’s Lin Chun-yi captured the men’s singles title at the India Open today, overcoming not only his opponent but also controversial playing conditions that included bird droppings on court and even a monkey appearing in the stands.

January 18, 2026
World
World
Rescuers retrieve one body from Indonesian fisheries plane crash, nine remain missing

JAKARTA, Jan 18 — Indonesian authorities on Sunday confirmed they have located the wreckage of a fisheries surveillance aircraft that went missing in South Sulawesi, recovering the body of one of the 10 people on board, while nine others remain unaccounted for.