Kuala Lumpur, December 11, 2024 – Today’s Dewan Rakyat session witnessed heated debates on several national issues, including the proposal to enact the Religious Harmony Act and the presentation of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) Batu Puteh Report.
Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms), is expected to table the RCI report before the parliamentary session concludes tomorrow. The report addresses the sovereignty dispute over Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge, which has been a longstanding and contentious issue.
Religious Harmony Act
During the oral question session, SN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) proposed that the Minister of National Unity consider drafting specific legislation to maintain religious harmony in Malaysia. This suggestion comes amid recent incidents of religious sensitivity.
Education and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Attention also turned to Malaysia’s AI ecosystem, with Tan Kar Hing (PH-Gopeng) questioning the Minister of Digital Affairs about the progress of the “AI for the People” initiative. Meanwhile, S Kesavan (PH-Sungai Siput) highlighted the burden of public university registration fees on B40 families, and Kamal Ashaari (PN-Kuala Krau) suggested increasing allowances for teacher trainees (IPG) to ease their financial struggles.
Economic and Taxation Issues
The Finance Minister faced several pressing questions. Datuk Azman Nasrudin (PN-Padang Serai) inquired about the floating of diesel prices, while Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) questioned the impact of higher service tax rates on the cost of living.
The session also featured the second reading of several bills, including the Online Safety Bill and the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing (Amendment) Bill 2024.
The Dewan Rakyat is expected to remain dynamic and intense as critical debates continue until the session concludes tomorrow.