Agong's inaugural speech gets full support of ministers, MPs

KUALA LUMPUR: Ministers and Members of Parliament have expressed their full support in making successful the efforts mentioned by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah in his inaugural speech when opening the First Meeting of the Second Term of the 14th Parliament yesterday.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the Yang diPertuan Agong's speech was very comprehensive and stressed on the aspect of unity of the numerous races and the importance of protecting the impeccability of religion as practiced in the country.

He said the diversity of religion in the country could not be misinterpreted and must be respected by every layer of society.

Economic Affairs Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali was prepared to develop the aspect of economy and socio-economy as a basis for Malaysia to continue to progress as hoped by the Yang diPertuan Agong. I feel very happy as his speech truly reflects the aspirations of Malaysians and this proves that he is close to the people and understands their needs,'' he said when met by reporters in the Parliament lobby.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Salahuddin Ayub said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's suggestions on the agriculture sector was very important, and in February, the ministry had launched its direction to boost the sector.

‘'What he mentioned in the speech will be scrutinised with full responsibility to ensure the people and country can get adequate food supply while farmers have more income,'' he said.

Commenting on his speech on the implementation of minimum wages, Human Resources Minister M. Kula Segaran said two related acts would be tabled in Parliament at the current session.

“Two bills are ready to be presented any time at Parliament, namely, Employment Act and the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990.

“We also hope to revamp a few employment acts. We have also consulted stakeholders regarding this matter,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said the three cores mentioned by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong would become the foundation of Islamic administration in the new government.

“I am very happy because among the matters he mention in his speech were the three cores of the Islamic administration which we have mentioned since the past eight months, namely, the Rahmatan Lil-alamin (blessing for the whole world) approach which benefits all. Maqasid Syariah (the objective of the Syariah law) as the administrative core and the Malaysian Model as an Islamic nation which is an example to the world.