Lawmakers in Dewan Rakyat on Thursday raised a wide range of questions highlighting the government’s priorities for 2026, from economic reform and education to defence, flood mitigation and youth development.
On the economy, Tan Sri Dato’ Mahiaddin Mohd Yassin (Pagoh) inquired about managing debt service payments, which accounted for 16.3% of government revenue in 2025.
Dato’ Seri Hamzah Zainudin (Larut) questioned the Minister of Economy on the impact of economic reforms on living standards. Datuk Ewon Benedick (Penampang) also sought updates on federal plans to develop Sabah’s Blue Economy.
Education was another major focus. Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein (Sembrong) raised access to early childhood education for low-income families.
In contrast, Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (Sik) questioned rural teacher training programmes to narrow achievement gaps. MPs also asked about school safety, anti-bullying measures, cyber ethics education and curriculum reforms.
Defence and security matters included queries from Dato’ Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (Balik Pulau) on building a self-reliant defence industry and Komander Nordin Ahmad Ismail (Lumut) on naval fleet modernisation amid aging ships.
Dato’ Sri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Tanah Merah) highlighted overlapping roles between RMAF Special Forces and police units.
Flood mitigation and infrastructure were addressed by Dato’ Seri Aminuddin Harun (Port Dickson) regarding 13MP projects in flood-prone areas.
Dato’ Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang) followed up on special allocations after the October 2025 floods.
Youth and sports development were also raised, including pathways for athletes post-SUKMA Games and youth empowerment initiatives in Sabah, as highlighted by Chong Zhemin (Kampar) and Puan Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Kota Belud).
Other topics included financial literacy, price stability, SME survival rates, digital safety and creative industry growth, signalling Parliament’s comprehensive approach to economic resilience, social equity and sustainable development for 2026.
