ISSUES arising from new and drastic policies that have been implemented by the unity government to stimulate the national economy, considering global economic risks, are expected to be discussed in Dewan Rakyat today.

According to the Order Paper on parliament’s official website, Hamzah Zainudin (Larut-PN) will raise the matter with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the question-and-answer session.

At the session, Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Baru-PN) will also ask the prime minister if the government plans to enact the Public Defenders Act to provide legal aid for criminal cases to those without access to representation. 

Gobind Singh Deo (Damansara-PH) will ask the communications and digital minister about initiatives carried out to promote digital businesses as well as steps taken to help local companies compete in the global market.

The defence minister is scheduled to answer Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Tanah Merah-PN) on the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Sukhoi 30-MKM aircraft assets, especially concerning spare parts following the West’s economic sanctions against Russia, the original manufacturer of the aircraft.

After the session, the sitting will continue with the first reading of the Insolvency (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Fees (Department of Broadcasting, Malaysia) (Confirmation) Bill 2023. 

This Dewan Rakyat sitting will run for 11 days from today until May 25 and will resume on June 6 until June 16. – Bernama, May 22, 2023.