PARLIAMENT will convene on July 16 after the government has consulted the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The first session of the 14th meeting will last for 20 days, he added.

“The first day will be for the swearing-in of members of Parliament and the election of a Speaker. While the next day is for the King’s speech,” said Dr Mahathir, after chairing the weekly cabinet meeting today.

He said the first session will look at abolishing certain laws such as the goods and services tax (GST) and Anti-Fake News Act and amend other bills.

Dr Mahathir said his first overseas trip as prime minister will be to Tokyo for the 24th Future of Asia conference from June 10 to 12.

The other announcements made after the cabinet meeting today were:

The government will continue to streamline ministries to reduce overlapping duties.

The government will continue to pay living costs aid but it will be reviewed later.

The government will study initiatives and training schools to encourage local businesses to adopt mechanisation to improve efficiency. 

The government will study ways to improve and promote online sales to help SMEs.

The government will introduce mechanisms to assist young Malaysians seeking bank loans to buy their first house.

The suggested link between Bursa Malaysia and the Singapore stock exchange will be reviewed.

Monopolies given by the previous government will be reviewed. 

A special committee will be asked to revamp the education curriculum from the kindergarten level to the university level.

The Consumer Affairs Ministry will impose control pricing for goods from June 8 to 22.

The newly appointed attorney-general will look at issues to pursue concerning the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.

The Health Ministry will study how to introduce a health scheme for low-income groups. 

Government officers of Jusa A grade will get a 10% cut in allowances. 

The government will try to explain to Malaysians that the practice of giving money directly to politicians is a form of corruption and must end. – June 6, 2018.