KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — The Dewan Rakyat session today will focus on two critical issues: alleged corruption within immigration enforcement at Malaysia’s air entry points and ongoing discussions around amendments to the country’s citizenship laws. Lawmakers will also address other pressing concerns, such as enhancing students’ digital skills and tackling absenteeism in national examinations, signaling a wide-ranging agenda for the day.
Immigration Corruption Scandal to be Addressed
The spotlight will be on the troubling reports of corruption within Malaysia’s immigration system, specifically the involvement of a syndicate that is said to be using a ‘counter setting’ method at air entry points to facilitate the illegal entry of foreigners. This alleged scheme reportedly involves collaboration between enforcement agency personnel and criminal elements, raising serious concerns about the integrity of Malaysia’s border controls.
Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Baru) is expected to question the Home Minister during the oral question and answer session, seeking details about the government’s plan to address this scandal and to tighten border security. The question follows growing public outcry over the syndicate’s activities, with calls for more stringent oversight of immigration officers and greater transparency in how Malaysia handles immigration at its airports.
The government’s response to this inquiry is eagerly awaited, as it could provide insight into the steps being taken to ensure that Malaysia’s immigration system is not compromised by internal corruption. Tackling such systemic issues is seen as essential not only for national security but also for Malaysia’s global reputation.
Education and Digital Skills in Rural Schools
Following the immigration corruption discussion, another important issue on today’s agenda will be education, with particular attention paid to improving digital literacy in rural areas. Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (PH-Ledang) is set to question the government on its efforts to address the shortage of digital equipment in rural schools. With the rapid digitization of education, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that students in rural areas have access to modern technology is critical to preventing educational inequality.
Malaysia has faced ongoing challenges in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural schools. Access to laptops, tablets, and stable internet connectivity remains limited in many rural areas, placing students at a disadvantage compared to their urban counterparts. Addressing this disparity has become a priority for the government, and today’s session is expected to shed light on the initiatives being undertaken to enhance digital education for all students.
Syed Ibrahim’s query is likely to focus on whether the government has allocated sufficient resources to resolve these equipment shortages and how quickly improvements can be expected. The session will also highlight the broader issue of how Malaysia plans to future-proof its education system in an increasingly digital world.
Tackling Student Absenteeism in National Examinations
Another major concern to be addressed in the Dewan Rakyat today is the rising absenteeism among students sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations. Hassan Saad (PN-Baling) is expected to raise this issue during the question and answer session, seeking clarity from the Education Minister on the reasons behind the increasing number of students failing to attend these crucial exams.
SPM is Malaysia’s national examination for secondary school students, and it serves as a key determinant of future educational and career opportunities. However, in recent years, there has been a worrying trend of students opting out of sitting for the exams. Various factors, including socioeconomic challenges, mental health issues, and disengagement from the education system, have been cited as potential reasons.
Hassan’s question will likely probe the government’s strategies to address this growing issue, including measures to prevent dropouts and improve student engagement. The outcome of this discussion will be crucial in determining how Malaysia can support its students in completing their education and attaining qualifications that will benefit them in the future.
Debate on Citizenship Amendment Bill Continues
After the question and answer session, attention will shift to the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024, which is scheduled for further debate in the Dewan Rakyat. The bill proposes lowering the age limit for applying for citizenship by registration from 21 to 18 years, a move that has garnered both support and opposition from various quarters.
The proposed amendment is seen as a progressive step toward granting greater autonomy to young adults, aligning with global trends that recognize 18 as the age of majority. Proponents of the bill argue that 18-year-olds should have the right to make decisions about their citizenship status without needing to wait until they turn 21.
However, the amendment has also sparked debate over its potential consequences. Critics have expressed concerns that lowering the age limit could lead to an increase in stateless individuals if young people make hasty decisions about their citizenship status without fully understanding the implications. The debate is expected to be rigorous, with lawmakers weighing the pros and cons of the amendment and its long-term impact on Malaysia’s legal framework.
The outcome of the debate will likely have significant implications for Malaysia’s citizenship laws, particularly for individuals born to foreign parents who wish to register as Malaysian citizens. If passed, the bill could offer a more streamlined pathway to citizenship for young adults, though its exact implementation remains a point of contention.
Parliamentary Session to Run Until December
The discussions in the Dewan Rakyat today are part of the broader Third Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament, which will span 35 days and conclude on December 12. This lengthy session is expected to address a wide array of legislative proposals and national issues, reflecting the government’s commitment to tackling both immediate concerns and long-term challenges facing the country.
As the session unfolds, other key topics that may come under the spotlight include economic recovery efforts, healthcare reforms, and environmental policies. The Dewan Rakyat will serve as the battleground for these debates, with lawmakers from different political factions presenting their views and shaping the direction of Malaysia’s governance.
Conclusion
Today’s Dewan Rakyat session promises to be a pivotal one, focusing on corruption in immigration, education reforms, and the ongoing debate on citizenship laws. With the government set to face tough questions from opposition lawmakers, the outcomes of these discussions could shape Malaysia’s legislative landscape for years to come. The issues being debated – from corruption and national security to education and citizenship – are of national importance, and the decisions made in Parliament will resonate with Malaysians across the country.
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