Ali Baba licences, Gaza and troubled housing project among Dewan Rakyat's focus today

KUALA LUMPUR: Legislation to curb "Ali Baba" licensing practices, Malaysia's diplomatic efforts to sustain the Gaza ceasefire and the fate of a troubled 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 progress of drafting the Anti-Rent-Seeking Act and the timeline for its tabling in Parliament to curb Ali Baba licensing practices.

The conflict in West Asia is also expected to feature prominently, with Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) seeking an update from the Foreign Minister on Malaysia's diplomatic efforts at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to ensure the Gaza ceasefire holds and humanitarian aid continues to reach the territory.

The fate of 1,120 residential units at the abandoned Residensi Wilayah Salak Selatan apartment project is another key issue, 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.

Jimmy Puah (PH-Tebrau) will raise preparations for workforce transition plans in response to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, while Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) will ask about median wages and graduate underemployment, particularly those working in jobs below their qualifications.

Other matters on the agenda include the future direction of Tabung Pahlawan, with Nordin Ahmad Ismail (PN-Lumut) seeking an explanation from the Defence Minister on its transformation; aid distribution 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 by the prime minister to appoint members of parliament to the Parliamentary Services Council.

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 the council under Section 3(2)(f) of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025.

The Dewan Rakyat will then resume debate on the 2027 Supply Bill at the policy stage, following the tabling of the 2027 Budget by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim 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, followed by four days of ministerial winding-up speeches beginning Oct 26.

The Dewan Rakyat sitting is scheduled to run for 37 days, until Dec 8.