In case you missed the Dewan Rakyat proceeding today, here are 7 things you need to know

Astro Awani
November 18, 2020 11:24 MYT

Among the highlights at Dewan Rakyat today is Syed Saddiq's suggestion to lower tuition fees for tertiary education. BERNAMApic

Here are the highlights of today's Dewan Rakyat sitting

PROPOSAL TO LOWER TUITION FEES FOR COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman suggests to lower tuition fees for tertiary education as many were learning remotely, instead of on campus.
He questioned why operators of private institutions are not reducing tuition fees after the announcement of RM300 million allocation for operators by the government.

PROPOSAL TO IMPOSE ‘WINDFALL TAX’ ON GLOVE COMPANIES

Syed Saddiq urged the government to have the courage to tax companies like ‘Top Glove’ which could be used for the public good.
He claimed a windfall tax on glove makers due to the COVID-19 pandemic could gain the government RM4.8 billion in revenue that can benefit the country, especially frontliners.

ALLOCATIONS FOR OPPOSITION MPs

The Muar MP also questioned why the allocation for the opposition MPs' constituency have been withdrawn
“Why today the allocation of RM3.8 million that should have been allocated to all opposition MPs was withdrawn?” he asks.
He claims such actions seem to let the people in the opposition areas continue to suffer after their rights were revoked.

REVIEW LEGISLATION ON INSULTING AND PLAYING RACIAL & RELIGIOUS ISSUES

The Ministry of Home Affairs will from time to time review existing legislation on insulting and playing the race card as well as religious issues for improvement.
Deputy Home Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Mohamed Said said the current law is sufficient to make offenders repent and act as a deterrent to people not to ridicule on the issues.

STATUS OF MALAYSIA IN ROME STATUTE

Malaysia will continue and not ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar said the United Nations has confirmed Malaysia’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute on April 29, 2019.

FUNDS FOR MENTAL HEALTH

The allocation of RM24 million announced in the 2021 Budget to address mental health issues will include the improvement of facilities and human resources of the Health Ministry’s mental health sector.
Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said there was no reduction in funds, instead, the fund also was used to implement various initiatives to strengthen the Mental Health Programme.

AMENDING IMMIGRATION ACT 1959/63

The Home Ministry is planning to amend the Immigration Act 1959/63 to provide for heavier punishment against illegal immigrants.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Mohamed Said said the discussion, with agencies and related quarters, were specifically on legal strategies and enforcement policies outlined in the Holistic Plan on Enforcement Against Illegal Immigrants.