Kuala lumpur: A total of 161 MPs participated in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) debate, which concluded on the fourth week of the Dewan Rakyat sitting yesterday. The session spanned eight days starting August 4, following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's tabling of the national development roadmap for the next five years (2026-2030), themed 'Melakar Semula Pembangunan' (Redesigning Development) on July 31.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, key issues raised during this week's debate included strengthening public transportation facilities, enhancing the education sector, and focusing on the welfare of healthcare workers. Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) proposed tax relief incentives for public transport users, while Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (PH-Setiawangsa) suggested consolidating government preschools under the Ministry of Education.
Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen (PH-Bandar Kuching) and Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) highlighted healthcare concerns, proposing the abolishment of the contract system for doctors and systemic changes in transfer procedures, working hours, and remuneration, respectively. Sabah and Sarawak MPs, including Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan (GRS-Keningau), Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Semporna), and Mohamad Shafizan Kepli (GPS-Batang Lupar), raised development issues pertinent to their states.
The Parliament calendar indicates that the ministerial reply session on the 13MP will commence on Monday and continue for four days. Another notable moment in this week's debate was a heated exchange involving several government and opposition MPs, which drew criticism from Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
During the uproar, which lasted approximately seven minutes, opposition MPs Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau), Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (Bachok), and Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (Besut) clashed verbally with government MP RSN Rayer (Jelutong). This week's sitting was further marked by the assault on the son of Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli at a shopping mall in Putrajaya.
Describing the attack as an act of violence beyond humanity's bounds, government and opposition MPs expressed solidarity with the former Economy Minister. The incident also caught the attention of Anwar, who condemned extreme behaviors, citing the assault and bullying cases resulting in deaths during the Minister's Question Time.
Additionally, a ministerial briefing by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said on criminal law reforms drew attention. Azalina highlighted 'quick win' reforms, such as abolishing caning as punishment, granting judges more discretion in sentencing, and improving the remand process, to deliver immediate public benefits.
The Second Meeting of the Fourth Term of the 15th Parliament for the Dewan Rakyat session will continue for 24 days until August 28.