“In this new Parliament Week segment, BusinessToday takes a closer look at some of the key debates and discussions that took place in Parliament, offering concise insights and takeaways.
National security, artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, fiscal discipline and the future of major events featured in the Dewan Rakyat this week, as ministers fielded questions and outlined policies ranging from defence procurement to online safety.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed that the government would not compromise on breaches of national security following investigations into alleged intelligence leaks and smuggling syndicates involving senior military personnel. He stressed that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has been given full authority to probe alleged abuse of power within the intelligence agency.
On defence readiness, Anwar highlighted that government-to-government (G2G) procurement has replaced reliance on third-party agents, leading to cost savings and smoother project delivery. He cited ongoing collaborations with Korea, Turkiye and Italy, adding that the Royal Malaysian Air Force Technical Committee will determine major acquisitions such as Black Hawk helicopters or F/A-18 fighter jets.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail underscored ongoing threats from foreign infiltration, including Mossad-linked activity, while confirming arrests of local and foreign individuals linked to terrorism. He also addressed the attack on the son of former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, assuring that police protection would be extended fairly to all citizens.
The Communications Ministry, meanwhile, confirmed that AI-generated content will soon be subject to mandatory labelling under the Online Safety Act 2025. Subsidiary rules being drafted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will compel service providers to adopt automatic labelling systems for manipulated content, as well as strengthen child protection measures. An Online Safety Committee chaired by the Law Minister will also be established to advise the regulator.
Fiscal concerns also surfaced as Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying assured that the second phase of Malaysia’s US$9.5 billion (RM40.1 billion) Boeing aircraft acquisition will not breach statutory debt limits or push the fiscal deficit beyond target. As of June, government debt stood at 62.7% of GDP, below the 65% ceiling.
Separately, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani confirmed that the long-awaited National Climate Change Bill is expected to be tabled after Budget 2026, following review by the Attorney-General’s Chambers. The bill will be underpinned by a five-year scientific study led by the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) on the feasibility of rare earth element mining in Permanent Forest Reserves.
In a lighter note, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed there are no plans to bring back Formula One (F1) to Malaysia, citing cost concerns and shifting government priorities. She said current investments are focused on grassroots development and regional sporting events rather than returning to hosting the world’s most expensive motorsport.
This week’s sitting also saw debates on pork smuggling, resignations of doctors and nurses in government hospitals, and updates on the Pan Borneo Highway. Ministers continued winding up the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which has seen participation from 161 MPs since Aug 4.
The current Dewan Rakyat session runs until Aug 28.
