MPs concluded the Royal Address debate, raising issues on education policy, urban poverty and digital crime, with the PM scrapping a school entry test.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat has concluded its debate on the motion of thanks for the Royal Address, with education, socioeconomic welfare and digital security taking centre stage.
A total of 150 Members of Parliament participated in the debate session, which began on January 20.
Discussions on the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2026–2035 called for its implementation to be inclusive, particularly regarding infrastructure in rural areas.
Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong) welcomed initiatives for preschool and voluntary Year One entry but stressed the need for accompanying basic facilities.
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Vivian Wong Shir Yee (PH-Sandakan) similarly urged the government to ensure adequate classroom facilities for effective teaching.
Several MPs called for a more comprehensive approach to urban poverty, including proposals for a dedicated ministry or agency.
Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (PH-Gombak) warned that without specific focus, efforts may only address symptoms, not root causes.
Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa (PH-Sekijang) suggested refining economic assistance assessments to help the financially pressured “sandwich generation”.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh) proposed that all government policies include clear entrepreneurship and education development components.
On digital security, Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan) urged greater use of AI tracking to combat information manipulation.
This follows the recording of 67,735 digital crime cases with losses totalling RM2.7 billion in 2025.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim agreed not to implement a diagnostic screening test for Year One entry from 2027.
Anwar said the decision considered concerns over potential psychological effects and discrimination against children.
He emphasised that student readiness must still be monitored continuously by teachers and parents.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said ministers’ answers to the debate issues are scheduled from February 4 to 10.
He also announced the House will not sit on February 2 and 3 due to deferred public holidays. – Bernama
