Call to the nation to unite as one
YANG di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V is proud of fellow Malaysians for showing the world that unity in diversity is not mere gimmick.
Malaysians had negated perception that existence of multiracial, multi religious and multicultural community served as explosive components that could trigger fire leading to disruption of peace, order and stability, said the King.
Malaysians have proven the naysayers wrong, noted Sultan Muhammad V when opening the first Parliament sitting post 14th General Election.
The King expressed gratitude and appreciation to all parties that had shown commitment and contributed towards maintaining peace and security, and upholding sovereignty, thus enabling progress and development plans to be kept on track.
However, the King cautioned the need to continuously safeguard unity to maintain peace and harmony.
Expressing support for the proposed community harmony consultative council aimed at further strengthening unity, the King said negative elements and actions that could jeopardise peace and harmony should be checked.
“Stop harping on issues that could trigger racial sensitivities,” said the King.
The King also noted that the media was filled with sensational and speculative news that could influence the mindset of the rakyat.
Harp not on the differences, but look for common grounds to work together for the well-being of the rakyat and survival of the country.
Congratulating Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for leading his allies to victory in the 14th General Election, Sultan Muhammad V said all parties should respect the Rakyat’s choice with an open heart.
The King called on the elected representatives to show dedication and honesty in carrying out their duties.
“Don’t be emotional, and let slanderous remarks, sentiments, and narrow-minded views influence our thoughts,” said the King.
Sultan Muhammad V hoped to see mature and healthy debates that could stimulate dynamic thinking.
“Look not at who is right, but seek what is good and true,” he said.
Locals and the international community would view the Parliament highly if the elected representatives argue wisely and maintained decorum.
He welcomed steps taken to promote integrity, improve governance, and uphold rules of the law.
In pursuit towards modernity, religious teachings and initiatives to inculcate good values should not be neglected.
“All parties should seriously look into effectively tackling social woes and counter negative elements that could ruin the society and nation,” said the King.
It is high time the government and non-government organisations, scholars and representatives from every layer of the community sit together and discuss ways to overcome arising issues plaguing the society.
Sultan Muhammad V had also expressed concern over the economically marginalised community.
Co-operation between the government, the private sector, and the rakyat must continue to champion the rights of the marginalised to enjoy better economic status.
Defending initiatives to elevate economic status of the marginalised community should not be misconstrued as supporting policies hinging on racial discrimination.
“It should be seen as initiative to rectify long-standing social injustice,” said the King.
Global economic uncertainties, political conflict, humanitarian crisis, and radical ideologies would continue shaping global economy and geopolitical landscape, said Sultan Muhammad V.
The advent of Industrial Revolution 4.0 would also bring new challenges for countries worldwide.
Therefore continuous initiatives in the interest of rakyat and the nation are needed to face the arising challenges.
The King welcomed initiatives, including formulation of policies, strategies, and legal frameworks to address arising challenges.
His Majesty also backed initiatives aimed at enhancing relations between ASEAN members specifically and other countries generally.
Sultan Muhammad V welcomed move to reveal the true financial position of the nation, apart from reviewing expenditures and imposing prudent financial management to address rising cost of living, and revising the cost of projects in keeping with pledge to uphold transparency and accountability.
Effective measures need to be taken to boost investor confidence to maintain existing investment, and to attract new investors.
Sultan Muhammad V had also decreed that he would take a 10% cut in his salary and emoluments until the end of his reign in 2021 in view of the current economic challenges.
The King supported moves to abolish Goods and Services Tax (GST), and steps taken to stabilise fuel price.
The mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan for the period stretching from 2018 to 2020 would be tabled this year, said the King, noting approved projects and programmes would be revised in view of the current economic challenges.
“My government will continue implementing programmes and projects beneficial to the rakyat, including those in Sabah and Sarawak.
“This is in line with the government’s policy to ensure equitable and fair distribution of national wealth,” decreed the King.
His Majesty also recorded his appreciation to people of all ages, race and religion who had contributed to Tabung Harapan, noting it showed that the rakyat do care about the nation.