The licensing issues of Alibaba, Gaza and regional residency projects are among the focuses of the People's Assembly today

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 Oct: New legislation to ban the practice of "Alibaba" licensing, Gaza diplomatic issues and fate of abandoned housing projects is expected to be a major focus of today's parliamentary session.

According to the Rules of the Meeting of the People's Assembly, Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) asked the Minister of Economy to state the status of implementation of the Anti-Search for Rent Act as well as its timeline in Parliament to address "Alibaba" licensing issues.

The West Asian conflict issue was also in the spotlight when Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) raised questions to the Foreign Minister regarding Malaysia's diplomatic steps at the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to ensure continued ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The fate of the 1,120 residential units of the South Salak Apartment Region Residences project came to mind when Fong Kui Lun (PH-Bukit Bintang) asked the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) to explain the rescue plan, including a proposal to appoint a rescue developer in case the settlement scheme fails.

In addition, questions regarding the preparation of a labour transition plan following the threat of artificial intelligence (AI) were also raised by Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH-Tebrau) while Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) asked questions concerning median salary issues and graduates working under academic qualifications.

Other agendas also discussed included the direction of the Pahlawan Tubu when Nordin Ahmad Ismail (PN-Lumut) asked the Minister of Defence to explain the transformation of the Tubu, the channelling of aid for the People's Religious School 2026 by Datuk Ahmad Saad @ Yahaya (PN-Pokok Sena) and the issue of agricultural input costs and wildfires in Bruit Island, Sarawak raised by Sabri Azit (PN-Jerai).

Following the question and answer session, the Dewan Rakyat will continue with the submission of proposals to nominate Members of Parliament for membership in the Parliamentary Service Council which will be presented by the Prime Minister.

On the basis of the proposal, two Government Members of Parliament Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) and Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad (BN-Simpang Renggam) as well as opposition MPs Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) and Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) will be appointed for membership of the assembly in accordance with Section 3 ((2) ((f) of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025.

The sitting of the Lok Sabha was then followed by a session on the discussion of the Supply Bill 2027 at the policy stage following the presentation of Budget 2027 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who is also Finance Minister last Friday.

Based on the timetable of the 15th Parliament's Fifth Session, the discussion of Budget 2027 at policy level took place from 12 to 22 October, before a roll-out session by relevant ministers over four days commenced on 26 October.

The assembly session lasted for 37 days till December 8.