THE Dewan Rakyat commenced its sitting today with Minister’s Question Time, where lawmakers raised a diverse set of issues spanning geopolitics, domestic security, economic development, and social governance.
Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (Ketereh) pressed the Foreign Minister on Malaysia’s assessment of the potential for armed conflict between Iran and the United States and its broader implications for regional security, a query reflecting growing global tensions.
Manndzri Nasib (Tenggara) questioned the Home Affairs Minister about proposed reforms to entry permit policies, including measures to streamline application processes for foreign workers and visitors.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (Arau) sought the Prime Minister’s stance on advocacy-based initiatives such as Street Dakwah programmes in Kuala Lumpur, touching on issues of public order and constitutional provisions relating to Islam in public spaces.
Questions during the session on Oral Answers also addressed infrastructure and transport concerns. Datuk Seri Madius Tangau (Tuaran) raised congestion along the Tamparuli-Ranau road, inquiring whether it would be upgraded to highway status.
Economic competitiveness and technology policy were prominent topics. Tuan Tan Kok Wai (Cheras) queried Malaysia’s positioning within the ASEAN and global artificial intelligence ecosystem, while Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein (Sembrong) and Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Bharu) focused on industrial automation and the Malaysia–United States Reciprocal Trade Agreement.
Security and governance issues also drew parliamentary attention. Lim Guan Eng (Bagan) sought updates on investigations into the Teoh Beng Hock case and other high-profile disappearances, while Chong Zhemin (Kampar) questioned the removal of financier Low Taek Jho, commonly known as Jho Low, from the Interpol Red Notice list.
Other recurrent themes during the session included healthcare access, mental health services, and enforcement of public health regulations such as smoking restrictions, reflecting a broad legislative agenda balancing domestic policy, international relations, and societal concerns. - February 26, 2026
