THE government's fiscal capacity to withstand a further escalation of the West Asia conflict will take centre stage in the Dewan Rakyat today, with MPs seeking assurances on its ability to protect the economy and public welfare amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.
Lee Chuan How (PH-Ipoh Timor) will ask the Prime Minister to explain why Malaysia's national debt has yet to be brought down to a more sustainable level, and whether the country's current fiscal position provides sufficient room for economic intervention if the conflict intensifies.
The question will be raised during the Minister's Question Time (MQT), according to the Order Paper published on Parliament's official website.
Also on the agenda is the potential fallout from tensions involving Malaysia and Taiwan, with Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) seeking clarification from the Prime Minister over reports that Taiwan has suspended investment negotiations with Malaysia following his remarks describing the island as part of China.
He will seek an assessment of the implications for bilateral trade relations and existing investment flows.
During the oral question-and-answer session, Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) will ask the Home Minister to detail the conditions imposed on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for serving the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, as well as the agency responsible for monitoring compliance.
The country's ambition to establish Kerteh, Terengganu, as a carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) hub by 2030 will also come under scrutiny.
Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim (PN-Kuala Terengganu) will seek an update from the Economy Minister on the technology's implementation, including storage capacity, infrastructure development and preparations for the proposed hub.
Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) will meanwhile ask the Foreign Minister about follow-up measures arising from the 2025 ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit Joint Statement and the schedule for the second summit.
Other issues include food security, agricultural infrastructure and the representation of local talent in federal positions in Sabah and Sarawak.
Dr Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN-Jerlun) will ask the Agriculture and Food Security Minister whether BERNAS can be allowed to extend paddy purchasing hours during harvesting seasons, alongside monitoring measures to protect farmers' interests and incomes.
Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) will seek details of plans to upgrade irrigation and drainage infrastructure in areas under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA), particularly in response to unpredictable rainfall and declining reservoir levels.
The proposed measures include real-time monitoring, rehabilitation of ageing infrastructure and alternative water sources to safeguard planting schedules.
Datuk Siti Aminah Aching (BN-Beaufort) will also seek the Prime Minister's clarification on the proportion of federal positions in Sabah and Sarawak filled by locals, particularly in professional and management roles, and the government's Borneonisation targets over the next five years.
The Dewan Rakyat will subsequently continue committee-stage deliberations on the Supply Bill 2027 and the Development Expenditure Estimates 2027. - November 12, 2026
