Malaysia

Sabah revenue ruling and high-profile rights cases to dominate Dewan Rakyat agenda

Lawmakers are set for an intense sitting as questions arise over the Government’s choice not to appeal the Kota Kinabalu High Court’s landmark ruling on Sabah’s 40 per cent Special Grant

Updated 10 months ago · Published on 17 Nov 2025 8:19AM

Sabah revenue ruling and high-profile rights cases to dominate Dewan Rakyat agenda
MPs to hear on scrutiny of police procedures, urban planning policies and preparations for the 2025 SEA Games - November 17, 2025

THE Federal Government’s decision not to challenge the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling on Sabah’s Special Grant entitlement—calculated as 40 per cent of net federal revenue collected in the state—is expected to take centre stage in the Dewan Rakyat today, signalling a pivotal moment in federal–state fiscal relations.

According to the Order Paper published on Parliament’s website, Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN–Paya Besar) will press the Prime Minister to explain both the reasoning and the broader implications of the decision during Ministers’ Question Time, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

The issue is anticipated to draw keen interest from both sides of the aisle, given its impact on revenue distribution and the long-standing concerns of Sabah’s leadership.

Human rights and institutional integrity will also feature prominently. Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (PH–Ledang) is poised to query the Home Minister on the court findings relating to the disappearances of Amri Che Mat and Pastor Raymond Koh, seeking clarity on how the Government intends to strengthen police investigative protocols and rebuild public confidence in law enforcement.

Meanwhile, Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (PN–Tanjong Karang) is expected to highlight the mounting pressures on Kuala Lumpur’s remaining traditional villages under the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040, raising concerns about insecurity of land tenure, accelerating development, and the erosion of cultural heritage.

Urban congestion, another perennial urban issue, will be raised by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (PH–Bandar Tun Razak), who will ask the Prime Minister whether the current policy requiring two parking bays per residential unit has proven effective in easing traffic density in high-population areas.

Youth and sports development will also come under the spotlight. Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN–Jempol) is set to request an update from the Minister of Youth and Sports on Malaysia’s readiness for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, including the projected size of the national contingent, the number of coaches, and medal aspirations.

Following the morning’s question-and-answer session, the House will resume debates on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2026 at the committee stage, where ministry-level allocations will undergo detailed scrutiny.

The Third Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament is scheduled to run for 35 days, concluding on 4 December, with fiscal policy, governance reforms and national development priorities expected to dominate proceedings. - November 17, 2025

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