National debt, Malaysia-Taiwan ties among Dewan Rakyat focus today

KUALA LUMPUR: The country's debt position and the government's fiscal capacity to deal with a possible escalation of the conflict in Middle East, as well as Malaysia-Taiwan trade and investment ties, are among the issues expected to take centre stage at today's Dewan Rakyat sitting.

According to the Order Paper on Parliament's official website, Lee Chuan How (PH-Ipoh Timor) will ask the prime minister to explain why the country's debt has yet to be reduced to a more sustainable level during the Minister's Question Time (MQT).

He will also seek clarification on the country's current fiscal position and the government's ability to introduce intervention measures to protect the economy and public welfare should the conflict in Middle East worsen.

At the same session, Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) will ask the Prime Minister to clarify reports that Taiwan has suspended investment talks with Malaysia following the latter's remarks describing Taiwan as part of China, and the possible implications for bilateral trade and existing investment flows.

During the questions for oral answer session, Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) will ask the home minister to explain the specific conditions imposed on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for serving the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, as well as the agency responsible for monitoring compliance.

Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim (PN-Kuala Terengganu) will ask the economy minister for the latest developments in the implementation of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technology, particularly storage capacity, infrastructure progress and plans to develop Kerteh, Terengganu, as the country's CCUS hub by 2030.

Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) will seek the Foreign Minister's update on follow-up measures under the Joint Statement of the 2025 ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit and the schedule for the second summit.

Dr Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN-Jerlun) will ask the Agriculture and Food Security Minister whether Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas) could be allowed to extend its padi purchasing hours during the harvest season, including the monitoring mechanism to safeguard farmers' interests and income.

Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) will also seek details on the government's plans to strengthen irrigation and drainage systems in areas under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA), particularly in response to erratic rainfall and low dam levels.

His question will cover real-time monitoring, the rehabilitation of ageing infrastructure and alternative water sources to ensure planting schedules are maintained.

Datuk Siti Aminah Aching (BN-Beaufort) will ask the prime minister about the percentage of federal posts in Sabah and Sarawak filled by locals, particularly in the professional and management groups, as well as the Borneonisation targets for the next five years.

Following the questions for oral answer session, the Dewan Rakyat will continue with debates and ministerial replies on the Supply (Budget) Bill 2027 and the 2027 Development Expenditure Estimates at the committee stage.