Ascension a catalyst for youths
King can spur nation to greater heights
KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V’s ascension to the throne appears to be a catalyst for a better future, particularly for Malaysian youths.
Dignitaries at the installation ceremony in Istana Negara yesterday were not only awed by the royal Malay traditions observed throughout, but by the 47-year-old King himself.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was right in saying Malaysia needed a youthful King at this point of time.
“Sultan Muhammad V is young and energetic, and this is what a nation needs, especially one like Malaysia that also has strong stands on important matters like the economy and well-being of rakyat.
“Malaysia has and will in future implement many policies for the youths, like the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) and we need a Ruler who has a similar outlook and mentality as our younger generation,” he said when met after the ceremony.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam agreed, saying His Majesty had also imparted sound advice to youths in his Royal Address.
“His Majesty has reminded the young people of Malaysia that there is no limit to how much knowledge and skills they can acquire to improve and promote themselves.
“As Malaysians, we should be loyal to our King while also strive to become useful citizens so we can bring the nation to greater heights,” he said.
Sultan Muhammad V’s call for Malaysians to contribute to economic development while preserving political stability and unity also resonated with the dignitaries at the event.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said His Majesty’s ascension and speech reiterated the age-old statement that the rakyat and royals were inseparable.
“In his presence as a constitutional monarch, the rakyat must be supportive and unite as a nation under his reign,” he said.
Defence MinisterDatuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein was happy to see Sultan Muhammad V focus on the importance to maintain national peace and harmony.
“I believe this is a good start towards getting our multi-racial, multi-religious community to work together and look to the future.
“It is another sign for us to close ranks and get us to not just defend our nation, but to put us on the same level as other developed nations,” he said.
Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg pledged the support of
We need a Ruler who has a similar outlook and mentality as our younger generation. Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia
Sarawakians towards the new King’s vision to develop Malaysia.
“I believe that the rakyat of Sarawak will be with His Majesty and will continue our contributions towards a better nation for all,” he said.
Earlier before the start of the ceremony, Transport Minister Da tuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai expressed his pride at being present to witness the historic ceremony that takes place every five years.
“This is what makes Malaysia unique.
“The constitutional monarchy that we practise here is suitable for a multi-racial country like ours,” he said.
Kelantan Deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah said he was proud that the Sultan of Kelantan is the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
He said the situation today was nostalgic of the time when Sultan Muhammad V’s grandfather Sultan Yahya Petra Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ibrahim succeeded the Sultan of Kedah Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah as the sixth Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“It is ironic that Sultan Muhammad V is replacing the same Agong as did his grandfather 42 years ago,” said Mohd Amar.