Malaysia's 15th Parliament Session Kicks Off with Royal Address

Post by : Mina Rahman

The Fifth Session of Malaysia's 15th Parliament officially opens this Monday, featuring a Royal Address from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, during the inaugural ceremony. His Majesty will deliver remarks to both legislative houses—Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara—focusing on key national priorities.

Topics expected to be discussed include national development, public welfare, and economic issues in line with the launch of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), a five-year development framework from this year through 2030.

Viewers can watch the live broadcast of the opening ceremony starting at 10 a.m. on official media channels, local television, and online platforms.

Before the Royal Address at the Dewan Rakyat, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will conduct an inspection of the Royal Guard of Honour from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, stationed at Sungai Besi Camp.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, along with cabinet members and heads of foreign delegations, will attend the event.

As noted in the official Parliament calendar, the Dewan Rakyat's 20-day session will initiate with a Motion of Thanks in response to the Royal Address, followed by a seven-day debate starting January 20. In the third week, from February 4 to February 10, relevant ministers will present closing speeches. The last six days of the session, starting February 23, will be dedicated to bills and other governmental matters.

Parliament will not convene on February 2 and 3 for Federal Territories Day and Thaipusam, nor from February 16 to 19 due to festivities for Chinese New Year and early Ramadan celebrations.

The Dewan Negara session will commence subsequently with 13 sitting days starting February 23.

Anticipated legislative initiatives during this Dewan Rakyat session include a bill that limits the Prime Minister’s tenure to a maximum of 10 years or two full terms, as well as a bill delineating the roles of the Public Prosecutor and the Attorney General. These proposals are part of the institutional reforms outlined by the Prime Minister on January 5.

Additional pieces of legislation include the Ombudsman Bill 2025 and the Freedom of Information Bill. The session will also revisit the second reading of the International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation Bill 2025 and the Urban Renewal Bill 2025, which were previously postponed.