KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 – Budget 2027 has passed the policy stage in the Dewan Rakyat after two weeks of debate, allowing the Supply Bill to move to the next stage of parliamentary review.
The majority of Members of Parliament approved the Bill on Thursday. The committee stage is scheduled to take place from Nov 2 to 26.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tabled Budget 2027 on Oct 9. The proposed national budget will now undergo a more detailed review by parliamentary committees.
Several other issues also featured during the fourth week of the Dewan Rakyat sitting, including government governance, national development, healthcare and the rising cost of living.
Government Considers Stronger Oversight of GLCs
During Ministers’ Question Time, Anwar said the government is considering a proposed Government-Owned Entities Bill.
The proposed legislation aims to strengthen governance and oversight of government-linked companies (GLCs) and related agencies.
It is also intended to prevent financial irregularities similar to those reported in cases involving 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), Felda and Tabung Haji.
Anwar said the proposal would establish clearer legal requirements and regulatory mechanisms for government-owned entities, including their subsidiaries.
He also stressed that political interference should not influence project and investment decisions made by government-linked companies and government-linked investment companies (GLICs).
He said these decisions should be based on professional standards, careful assessment and responsible management.
Government Reaffirms Development Support for Sabah and Sarawak
The Prime Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to providing larger development allocations for Sabah and Sarawak.
He said funding would take into account the geographical challenges and infrastructure needs of both states.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said told the Dewan Rakyat that policy recommendations for a proposed Political Financing Bill would be presented to the Special Select Committee.
The review aims to gather further feedback before the proposed legislation is finalised for Cabinet consideration.
Renewable Energy Framework for Data Centres
The Energy Commission is also developing a framework and guidelines for electricity generated independently and the use of renewable energy in the data centre sector.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the initiative would address energy arrangements for the sector.
The issue comes as data centres require substantial electricity to support their operations.
Healthcare and Drought Preparedness Among Key Issues
Healthcare and environmental preparedness were also discussed during the parliamentary sitting.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry plans to introduce a cottage hospital concept in rural areas.
The ministry also aims to expand outsourced hospital services across 16 areas by 2027 to strengthen public healthcare delivery.
Separately, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability will submit a proposed drought action plan to the National Disaster Management Council.
The plan aims to improve preparedness for weather-related challenges linked to the El Niño phenomenon.
BUDI MADANI Supports Targeted Subsidies
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan described the BUDI MADANI initiative as one of the government’s targeted subsidy measures.
He said the programme aims to reduce the cost-of-living burden while limiting leakages in fuel subsidies.
The initiative is intended to help eligible members of the public manage expenses and retain more disposable income.
The current Dewan Rakyat sitting is scheduled to run for 37 days and conclude on Dec 8.
Source: BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
