United we stand: Candy Chew (third from left), 37, Yasitha Sumaranam (third from right), 23, and Nur Aina Nadjwa Mat Zakila (far right), 25, and their family members posing for a photograph at i-City Shah Alam. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Unity in diversity is the primary asset of the nation that must be preserved, says Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
In his royal address in conjunction with his official birthday, the King said he highly appreciated the role of the people, who have a great spirit, in ensuring the preservation of national unity and harmony.
“Let us not continue to fuel sentiments and polemics that can undermine the fabric of our social diversity in this multiracial society,” said His Majesty.
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The Yang di-Pertuan Agong said this when gracing the investiture ceremony of federal awards and honours held in conjunction with his official birthday celebration at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
His Majesty also expressed gratitude for the encouraging performance of the national economy, and how the country is on the right track in realising its development agenda for the well-being of the people.
Sultan Abdullah said this was proven by the country’s 5.6% growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2023.
“In my opinion, the country is now on the right track to implement and achieve the development agenda for the well-being of the people.
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“Taking into account global economic challenges, including the ... Covid-19 economic uncertainty and geopolitical crises, which have had an impact on the cost of living of the people, the government should focus on the implementation of development projects that have a direct impact on the well-being of the people as outlined in the Madani Budget 2023.
“The agenda of the people’s well-being, including expanding the social protection network system to combat the issue of the rising cost of living, needs to be continuously prioritised.
“I am confident that the continuous efforts of my government to implement initiatives and explore innovative strategies will positively impact the socio-economic well-being of all Malaysians,” added the King.
His Majesty also expressed happiness as he praised the government for its commitment to establishing good and close cooperation with all state governments for the benefit of the people.
Addressing the issue of national sovereignty, he stressed that it would not be compromised, and all of Malaysia’s assets would be protected by the government against external threats.
A total of 839 individuals were conferred federal awards, honours, and medals in conjunction with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s official birthday yesterday.
