King’s speech expected to highlight economic priorities, development and welfare of rakyat
PETALING JAYA: The Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament opens today with a Royal Address by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim.
The King’s speech is expected to set the year’s tone, focusing on national development, economic priorities and public welfare as Malaysia begins the 13th Malaysia Plan.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has signalled that 2026 will be about delivering tangible outcomes.
A packed legislative agenda includes long-discussed institutional reforms.
The first major Bill will separate the powers of the public prosecutor and the attorney-general to strengthen institutional independence.
Other headline legislation includes a Freedom of Information Bill and a Bill to limit the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years.
Climate action is also expected to take centre stage this session.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry has indicated the Climate Change Bill will likely be tabled.
The controversial Urban Renewal Bill could also see its second reading after being deferred last year.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani recently warned his party may withhold support unless the Bill reflects last year’s Urban Renewal Convention outcomes.
“All issues raised in our convention must be inserted into the Bill. If the thresholds we are set are not met, we will not vote for this Bill,” Johari said.
Parliament will also debate the International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation Bill 2025 and the Ombudsman Bill 2025.
Political dynamics will be under close scrutiny as the Unity government navigates the post-Umno assembly landscape.
Analysts will watch how it manages tensions with partner parties, including DAP, while advancing its reform agenda.
The opposition Perikatan Nasional will also face renewed scrutiny following internal crises.
The Dewan Rakyat session spans 20 days, beginning with seven days of debate on the Motion of Thanks.
