The day's essential Malaysian news, briefed.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has urged parliamentarians to uphold their attendance obligations, warning against skipping parliamentary sittings without legitimate justification.
Malaysian parliamentarians have proposed sweeping measures to combat illegal racing, including permanent driving licence revocation, mandatory rehabilitation programmes, and destruction of illegally modified vehicles, during debate on the Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026.
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Parliament's Speaker has formally confirmed that Larut MP Hamzah Zainudin has resumed his position as Opposition Leader following a month-long interim arrangement. Two PKR MPs have also vacated their seats.
Malaysia's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is completing a comprehensive fertiliser bill to regulate quality standards and ensure domestic supply stability, with drafting now 70-80% finished, Parliament heard.
Parliament descended into acrimonious debate within an hour of opening, as Takiyuddin and a government backbencher engaged in a sharp exchange over allegations of PAS pressure on its political ally Bersatu.
A formal notice designating Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin as the new opposition leader will be presented to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker ahead of the upcoming parliamentary session.
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Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced that Malaysia's National Food Security Act will be tabled in Parliament in 2025, with the legislation designed to strengthen domestic food supply resilience.
Hamzah Zainudin has reclaimed the opposition leader's seat in the Dewan Rakyat, while Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has been repositioned eight seats back from the front row.
Perikatan Nasional has declared itself prepared to contest the 16th General Election should Prime Minister call one in 2024, signalling its campaign machinery is fully operational nationwide.
Perikatan Nasional's chief whip has formally notified Parliament's speaker that Hamzah Zainudin, the former Bersatu deputy president, will assume the role of opposition leader. The appointment follows agreement from 61 opposition MPs.
Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin's reappointment as Opposition Leader in the Dewan Rakyat awaits formal recognition, as Perikatan Nasional has not yet submitted official notification to Parliament.