Malaysia's Parliament to Convene, Focus on 2026 Budget and Key Bills
The Malaysian Parliament's House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat) is set to reconvene for its 15th term, fourth session, and third meeting on Monday, October 6th. The primary focus of this session will be the presentation of the 2026 Budget on Friday, October 10th, and the re-examination of the previously postponed "2025 Urban Renewal Act."
Key Highlights of the Parliamentary Session
According to the Malaysian Parliament's official website, the session will span 35 days, from October 6th to December 4th. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, also serving as Finance Minister, will present the budget, marking his fourth since assuming office in November 2022. This 2026 Budget will be the first under the 13th Malaysia Plan, providing policy and financial support for the five-year development plan.
Anwar Ibrahim stated on his Facebook page on Sunday, October 5th, that he and his team at the Ministry of Finance were focused on planning the 2026 'Madani' (Civil) Budget. The 13th Malaysia Plan, launched on July 31st, involves an investment of RM611 billion (approximately SGD186 billion) over the next five years, aiming to achieve ten macroeconomic development goals. Key projects include the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and strengthening the semiconductor industry.
Legislative Agenda: Urban Renewal and Anti-Bullying Measures
Beyond the budget, the parliamentary session will address several significant bills, including the "2025 Urban Renewal Act," which was postponed in August. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming presented the bill for its second reading on August 28th, but it faced controversy. Speaker Johari Abdul cited insufficient time as the reason for delaying the debate and vote until the October session. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said will also present the "Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill" during this session.
Parliamentary Reform and Oversight
Speaker Johari Abdul announced on Sunday, October 5th, that Parliament will continue to advance its reform agenda, including strengthening the functions of parliamentary special select committees. He expressed his hope that every member of Parliament would express opinions responsibly, based on facts and with the people's interests at their core, during the 2026 Budget debate. He added that two deputy speakers would ensure balance in the meeting process, allowing both government and opposition MPs fair speaking opportunities.
He further emphasized that parliamentary reform remains an important agenda, which will continue to be implemented in this meeting, especially the promotion of the functions of the Special Select Committee (JKPK). On August 12, the House of Representatives amended Article 80B of the Parliamentary Rules to empower the Special Select Committee to oversee the implementation of each department after the budget is passed by Parliament.
The Senate meeting will convene from December 1st for 12 days.