2026 Budget To Take Centre Stage As Dewan Rakyat Convenes Oct 6

By Mohd Fharkhan Abdul Ghapar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- The presentation of the 2026 Budget by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will take centre stage during the Third Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament, with the Dewan Rakyat sitting for 35 days from Monday, Oct 6, to Dec 4.

According to the official Parliament website, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, will table the 2026 Supply Bill at 4.00 pm on Oct 10.

The 2026 Budget speech can be followed live on major television networks and online platforms, including the Malaysian Parliament's YouTube channel.

This will be the fourth budget presented by the MADANI government under Anwar's leadership and the first under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

As such, the 2026 Budget will establish the initial framework for implementing the 13MP from 2026 to 2030, emphasising inclusive and sustainable national development.

The Dewan Rakyat's schedule stated that the 2026 Supply Bill is set for policy-level debate from Oct 13 to 28, followed by ministers' replies over four days, starting on Oct 29. 

The session will then resume with the committee-stage debate of the Bill from Nov 5 to 27, after which it is expected to be passed by the Dewan Rakyat.

The session will also include the presentation and discussion of several other important bills, including one addressing the issue of bullying.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, had previously said that the Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill is expected to be tabled this month, following the conclusion of engagement sessions in September.

Additionally, this sitting will resume the postponed debate on the Urban Renewal Bill 2025, which was adjourned during the August parliamentary session.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, told Bernama he hoped that every member of parliament would debate the 2026 Budget responsibly, basing their arguments on facts and focusing on issues that matter to the people.

He and his two deputies pledged to maintain balance throughout the session, ensuring every MP, from both government and opposition, has a fair opportunity to be heard.

"I hope the opinions presented are not only constructive but also productive, offering practical suggestions for the government's consideration.

"To that end, we will manage the speaking roster transparently and fairly, so that no voice is sidelined. We will also enforce a more disciplined approach to time management, including providing clear time guidelines for MPs," he said.

On a separate matter, Johari emphasised that Parliamentary Reform remains a core agenda under his leadership and will continue to be reflected in this session, particularly through the role of the Special Select Committees.

He explained that the Dewan Rakyat had amended its Standing Orders on Aug 12, specifically Standing Order 80B, to empower the ministry-related committees to monitor the implementation of the budget after it is approved by Parliament.

In addition to the Dewan Rakyat sitting, the Dewan Negara session will commence on Dec 1, sitting for 12 days.

-- BERNAMA