MEMBER of Parliament for Setiawangsa, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, has urged the government to take bolder steps on social equity, climate action and urban governance during his speech in the Dewan Rakyat today as part of the Budget 2026 debate.
Calling for a more equitable approach to subsidy allocation, Nik Nazmi argued that Malaysia must end the practice of blanket subsidies that disproportionately benefit the wealthy. “The ultra-rich must bear their fair share of the economic burden,” he said, emphasising that targeted subsidies are essential to achieving social justice and fiscal sustainability.
He also welcomed the progress of the proposed National Climate Change Act and underlined the urgency of implementing a carbon tax by 2026. “This legislation is crucial not just for our environmental commitments, but also for shaping a resilient and green economy,” he told Parliament.
Nik Nazmi, who previously served as Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, called on Malaysia to adopt a more progressive stance in ongoing negotiations for the Global Plastic Treaty. He stressed that the treaty represents a key opportunity to protect the nation’s environmental and public health interests.
On urban reform, he advocated for improved governance of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), proposing the appointment of City Council Members to enable proper checks and balances in the federal capital. “We must move towards greater transparency and accountability in how our cities are run,” he said.
Turning to education, Nik Nazmi stressed the need to ensure schools are safe spaces for all children. He highlighted the importance of mental health support, improved learning environment design, and robust anti-bullying policies. “Creating truly safe schools requires more than just security — it means supporting the holistic well-being of every student,” he said.
His intervention came as part of a broader call for structural reforms that align Malaysia’s budgetary priorities with principles of fairness, sustainability and good governance. - October 15, 2025
