KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — Strengthening contractor selection and performance assessment criteria to address delays in government projects and ‘sick projects’ is among the key issues to be raised in the Dewan Rakyat today.

According to the Order Paper on the official Parliament website, Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) will ask the Works Minister about proactive measures to address weaknesses in contractors’ management and financial capabilities, as well as new mechanisms to be introduced.

The latest developments on the proposed Parental Care Bill will also be raised by Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong), who will ask the Women, Family and Community Development Minister about the status of the bill.

She will also seek clarification on the form and mechanism of comprehensive social protection expected to be announced to safeguard the welfare of senior citizens amid the country’s demographic shift towards an ageing population.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun (PH-Port Dickson) will ask the Education Minister to elaborate on the ministry’s preparedness to accommodate the simultaneous increase in six- and seven-year-old children entering Year One for the 2027 school session.

The preservation of artistic heritage will also be raised by Onn Abu Bakar (PH-Batu Pahat), who will ask the Communications Minister to provide an update on government initiatives to acquire or repurchase ownership and copyright rights, as well as management rights, to films by the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee for preservation as national heritage assets.

Following the oral question-and-answer session, the sitting will continue with the tabling of a motion by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department on the Auditor-General’s Report (LKAN) 2/2026, which was tabled last Monday.

The motion, among other things, calls on all relevant ministries, departments and agencies to examine the findings and recommendations of the audit report objectively to strengthen governance integrity and the management of public funds.

The sitting is also scheduled to continue with the second reading of the Food (Amendment) Bill 2026 by the Health Minister.

The Third Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament, which began last Monday, is scheduled to run for 37 days until December 8. — Bernama