Asia-Pacific military tensions, university reforms top Dewan Rakyat agenda

On November 4, several critical issues were slated to be addressed in the Dewan Rakyat today. These matters included national security concerns in the Asia-Pacific region, the future of university governance post-Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) repeal, and addressing misleading advertisements for badal haj services.

Deputy Prime Minister William Leong Jee Keen (PH-Selayang) planned to question the Defence Minister regarding the government's response to escalating military tensions and potential measures to ensure national security and stability in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BN-Bera) intended to seek clarification from the Higher Education Minister on how the repeal of UUCA would impact university administration and the principles guiding the proposed One Higher Education Act.

PN-Kuala Krai representative Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) would inquire about the government's methods for conducting background checks on advertisers, including verifying their identities, company status, licenses, payment recipient accounts, and the credibility of claims made in badal haj service advertisements. PH-Sri Gading MP Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading) sought information on the remaining 25% of Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) recommendations on Tabung Haji that had yet to be implemented, along with the timeframe and plan to ensure their full execution.

Following the oral answers session, the Dewan Rakyat would continue its committee-stage debate and ministerial replies on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2027, which has been scheduled from November 2 to 26. The Dewan Rakyat's session is projected to last for 37 days until December 8.