Federal debt up RM50bil to RM1.3 trillion, says Deputy Finance Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Government's debt has risen to RM1.3 trillion as of March 2025, up from RM1.25 trillion at the end of last year, while total liabilities stood at RM384.6bil compared to RM384.8bil previously, says Lim Hui Ying. The Deputy Finance Minister said the increase was due to the government's need to finance fiscal deficits...

465 encroachment cases on federal lands since in last ten years

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 465 encroachment cases have taken place on lands owned by the Federal Government from 2015 till May 2025, the Dewan Rakyat was told. Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani (pic), who is tasked with temporarily overseeing the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, said these figures involved encroachment on Federal Government-owned land,...

It’s SWCorp’s numbers, not mine, says Nga on rubbish left by July 26 rally

KUALA LUMPUR: Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has defended his statement that 20 metric tonnes of rubbish were left behind following the “Turun Anwar” rally. Nga said the figures were based on findings by the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp), whose personnel were mobilised on the ground. “The numbers did not...

Parliamentary Services Act 2025 gets royal assent, Speaker says

SEREMBAN: The Parliamentary Services Act 2025 (PSA) has received royal assent from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, paving the way for Parliament to operate as an independent entity, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul announces. He said the effective date of implementation of the Act will be announced soon by Minister in...

Thanks, but no thanks: Perikatan won’t back Rafizi’s bid for RCI into judicial appointments, says Takiyuddin

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional MPs will not back Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s call for MPs to support the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to look into the judicial appointments issue. Perikatan chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan confirmed that some MPs from the bloc had received a letter from Rafizi on...

Optometry Bill to be tabled in October

PUTRAJAYA: The Optometry Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament in October, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic). The proposed legislation would serve as a dedicated legal framework to regulate all aspects of the optometry profession in Malaysia, he added. "It will be a standalone Act governing the practice, training, registration and scope of duties...

Compulsory secondary education amendments set to be tabled in Parliament in June, says Education DG

KUALA LUMPUR: The amendments to make secondary school education compulsory will be tabled at the next Parliament sitting, says Datuk Azman Adnan. Known as the Education Bill 2025, the Education Ministry director-general said it would see amendments made to Section 29(A) of the Education Act 1996. "The Education Ministry will table the Education Bill 2025 at the...

‘Have you set a date?’ Anwar ribs Syed Saddiq over possible marriage

KUALA LUMPUR: Amid the hustle and bustle of Parliament, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman shared a light-hearted moment in the Parliament lobby. Syed Saddiq, who previously shared his wish to gift Anwar two pairs of Baju Melayu on social media, managed to do so on Tuesday (March...

Fahmi criticises Opposition MPs’ refusal to vote on Constitution amendment

KUALA LUMPUR: Fahmi Fadzil has criticised opposition lawmakers for refusing to vote on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 at Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (March 4). The Communications Minister said the 57 MPs who abstained from voting on the Bill had showcased the Opposition’s apparent disinterest in separating the Parliament from political influence. “Their decision to not vote...

King’s Royal Address a meaningful reminder for all MPs, says Speaker

KUALA LUMPUR: All Members of Parliament must continue to uphold a mature, ethical, and responsible political culture in carrying out their duties, as emphasised in the Royal Address by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul (pic) said His Majesty’s address served as a meaningful reminder for all elected...