Kuala Lumpur:The Supply (Budget) Bill 2027 has successfully passed the policy stage after a two-week debate, marking a significant milestone in this week's Dewan Rakyat session. The bill, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on October 9, received majority approval from Dewan Rakyat members on Thursday, allowing it to move to the committee stage scheduled for November 2 to 26.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the session also focused on various issues such as administrative governance, national development, and public welfare. Key topics included national financial management, asset recovery linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), and the role of government-linked investment companies in promoting public welfare.

During the Ministers' Question Time on Tuesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim proposed a "Government-Owned Entities Bill" to improve governance of government-linked companies, aiming to prevent financial irregularities similar to those seen in 1MDB, Felda, and Tabung Haji. The proposal seeks to establish clearer legal frameworks and regulations, emphasizing a ban on political interference in project and investment selections by these companies.

In matters concerning Sabah and Sarawak, Anwar reiterated the government's commitment to providing larger development allocations based on the states' geographical and infrastructural needs. Additionally, Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced upcoming policy recommendations for a Political Financing Bill, which will be reviewed by the Special Select Committee.

Further developments included the Energy Commission's creation of guidelines for renewable energy use in data centers, announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Health initiatives were also addressed, with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad introducing a "cottage hospital" concept and expanding outsourced hospital services by 2027.

The Dewan Rakyat also discussed environmental and cost-of-living issues, with plans for a drought action plan and the BUDI MADANI initiative to alleviate living costs and reduce fuel subsidy leakages, as highlighted by Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. The session is set to continue for 37 days, ending on December 8.