Kuala lumpur: The tabling of the 13th Malaysian Plan (13MP) for the period 2026 to 2030 dominated proceedings in the second week of the Dewan Rakyat session. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in presenting the 13MP, themed 'Redesigning Development', announced that a total of RM611 billion in investments would be needed to drive the country's development over the five-year period. His speech, which spanned nearly 90 minutes, highlighted the plan's focus on three main principles: establishing a sovereign and dignified nation, creating a people-centric MADANI social system, and transitioning to an AI-driven economy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the 13MP is structured around four key pillars: strengthening economic resilience, enhancing social mobility, accelerating the Public Service Reform Agenda, and improving the well-being of the populace alongside environmental sustainability. The Dewan Rakyat calendar outlines that Members of Parliament will engage in debate starting this Monday until August 14, followed by ministerial responses from August 18 to 21. The Second Meeting of the Fourth Term of the 15th Parliament is slated to continue for 24 days, concluding on August 28.
During this week's session, eight bills were passed, including the Cross-Border Insolvency Bill 2025, the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Fees (Pengkalan Kubor Ferry) (Validation) Bill 2025. Other bills passed were the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Offenders Compulsory Attendance (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Education (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Electricity Supply (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Energy Commission (Amendment) Bill 2025. Additionally, the Countervailing and Anti-Dumping Duties (Amendment) Bill 2025 was tabled for its first reading, aiming to protect local industries from unfair trade practices.
Highlighting the week's issues, the Ministry of Health announced the upcoming Operation Safe Lungs (Op Selamat PaPa), focusing on enforcing the Smoking Products Control Act for Public Health 2024, with particular attention to electronic cigarettes. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad emphasized the operation's aim to protect not only male smokers but also women and families from passive smoking.
The Ministry of Education has finalized the Vertical School Development Planning Guide, incorporating principles of student safety, curriculum-friendliness, sustainability, and maintenance ease. Deputy Minister of Education Wong Kah Woh stated that the guide would be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.
The tragic death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir sparked a serious debate on the Education (Amendment) Bill 2025. MPs from both government and opposition parties called for stronger anti-bullying measures and improved school safety. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, during the bill's winding-up session, promised a transparent investigation to ensure justice for the case.