Medical officers’ absence in Sabah, Sarawak and AUKU replacement Bill top Dewan Rakyat agenda today

The failure of medical officers to report for duty in Sabah and Sarawak, as well as the status of a new Bill to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU), are among the main issues to be raised in the Dewan Rakyat today. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

First Published: Thursday, 08 Oct 2026 9:54 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — The failure of medical officers to report for duty in Sabah and Sarawak, as well as the status of a new Bill to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU), are among the main issues to be raised in the Dewan Rakyat today.

According to the Order Paper on the Parliament’s official website, during the Question Time, Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) will ask the Health Minister to state the actual number of medical officers who failed to report for duty after the deadline yesterday, as well as the reasons and measures to address the issue.

Also scheduled to be raised during the session is a question from Sivakumar Varatharaju Naidu (PH-Batu Gajah) to the Higher Education Minister on the latest developments regarding the drafting of a new bill to replace AUKU 1971, as well as the Government’s commitment to table it in Parliament in December.

Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) will ask the Finance Minister on the demarcation of jurisdiction between the Securities Commission Malaysia and other regulatory agencies to prevent overlapping functions and enforcement.

Tan Hong Pin (PH-Bakri) will also ask the Digital Minister to provide an update on the ministry’s achievements in strengthening digital literacy and artificial intelligence (AI) skills, as well as its strategic action plan to develop highly skilled digital talent.

Following the question-and-answer session, the Dewan Rakyat is scheduled to continue with the second reading of the Food (Amendment) Bill 2026 by the Health Minister, and the Courts of Judicature (Amendment) Bill 2026 by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

The Third Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament is being held for 37 days until December 8. — Bernama