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THE fiscal standing of the nation, rising cases of bullying in schools, and escalating cybersecurity threats were among key issues raised in the Dewan Rakyat sitting today, as the Third Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament entered its second day.
According to the Order Paper published on the Parliament’s website, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN–Larut) sought clarification from the Finance Minister on whether Malaysia is at risk of a widening fiscal deficit, in light of the government’s implementation of various cash aid schemes and subsidy restructuring initiatives.
Dr Halimah Ali (PH–Kapar) questioned the Education Minister on the government’s concrete steps to curb school bullying, which she described as increasingly alarming, with some cases resulting in serious injuries and even fatalities.
She also called for a clear mechanism covering prevention, monitoring, early intervention and strict action not only against perpetrators, but also against school administrators who fail to address such incidents adequately.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PH–Bandar Tun Razak) asked the Digital Minister to outline strategic measures being undertaken to strengthen national cybersecurity, particularly in response to the growing threat of scams involving weaponised artificial intelligence (AI).
Other matters raised during Question Time included an inquiry by Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN–Hulu Terengganu), who asked the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living to explain the systems used at petrol stations nationwide, and the steps being taken to align services with the government’s planned implementation of targeted RON95 fuel subsidies, as well as the associated costs.
Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (PH–Beruas) directed a question to the Education Minister on whether the government is willing to ease the one-year National Professional Qualification for Educational Leaders (NPQEL) requirement prior to the appointment of school principals, in a bid to address the ongoing shortage of qualified heads in government-aided secondary schools.
Following the Question and Answer session, the sitting continued with ministerial winding-up speeches on the Auditor-General’s Report 3/2025 regarding the Federal Government’s 2024 financial statements.
Also scheduled for second reading today were four bills: the Hire-Purchase (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Private Agencies (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Urban Renewal Bill 2025, and the Mufti (Federal Territories) Bill 2024.
The current sitting of Parliament will run for 35 days until 4 December. - October 8, 2025
