Dewan Negara Ends 12-Day Sitting After Approving Six Key Bills
KUALA LUMPUR — The Dewan Negara concluded its 12-day parliamentary session today after approving six bills during the sitting that began on February 23.
Among the bills passed were the Supplementary Supply Bill (2025) 2026 and the Capitation Grant Bill 2026 under the Finance Ministry. The Upper House also approved the International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation Bill 2025 tabled by the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform).
Other legislation passed included the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Bill 2026 under the Home Ministry, the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Bill 2026 under the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, and the Employment Insurance System (Amendment) Bill 2025 under the Human Resources Ministry.
Throughout the session, several significant issues drew attention during debates among senators. These included concerns over racial provocation, the controversy surrounding the Kuala Lumpur mayoral election, and claims related to the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
In his closing speech, Dewan Negara president Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah expressed appreciation to senators for their active participation in debating the motion of thanks for the royal address and for deliberating on bills brought forward from the Dewan Rakyat.
He also announced that amendments to the Dewan Negara Standing Orders had been approved as part of preparations for the implementation of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025, which is expected to come into effect this year.
Awang Bemee said the amendments involve 19 substantive changes aimed at strengthening the principle of executive accountability to the Dewan Negara while enhancing the parliamentary system’s checks and balances.
During the session, three reports from Special Select Committees were also presented, including reports from the Standing Orders Committee and the Special Select Committee on Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption.
In addition, Awang Bemee announced the establishment of five new committees while retaining three existing special select committees in an effort to strengthen the institutional role and credibility of the Dewan Negara as the Upper House of Parliament.
He noted that the creation of 12 committees requires strong commitment from members of the House as well as effective management of human resources within the Dewan Negara to ensure the legislative process functions efficiently.
Awang Bemee also expressed appreciation to two senators, Dr A. Lingeshwaran and Amir Md Ghazali, who have completed their terms of service.
He added that another 14 senators are expected to complete their tenure in the near future.
Before adjourning the sitting sine die, Awang Bemee extended his Aidilfitri greetings to all members of the Dewan Negara and parliamentary staff.
-wilayah.com.my
