Reports by MARTIN CARVALHO, GERARD GIMINO and JUNAID IBRAHIM
KUALA LUMPUR: Stop playing politics with every issue for the sake of championing one’s party or group, says His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
His Majesty said Members of Parliament (MPs) should unite the nation, rather than become agents of division among the people.“Parliament is not a place for verbal spats, insults and spewing allegations, but a dignified hall to debate agendas in the interests of the rakyat and prosperity of the nation,” Sultan Ibrahim said in his royal address during the opening of the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament here yesterday.
“This is a ceremony which holds great significance for me because I can directly address MPs.“Parliament is the highest gathering in our nation’s system.
“It is the arena for the voices of the people to meet, where laws are created while serving as checks and balances to the administration of the nation.”
Although Sultan Ibrahim noted the positive changes MPs had made regarding decorum during debates last year, His Majesty added that there was still a small group bound by “bad habits”.
“There is still a small group that finds it hard to get rid of old bad habits and there is no need for me to list what these habits are.
“I believe YBs will know how to manage each other’s behaviour,” His Majesty added.
As for the nation’s economy, Sultan Ibrahim lauded its performance, congratulating Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Madani government on Malaysia’s achievements.
His Majesty cited the strengthening of the ringgit, low unemployment rate, 5.9% gross domestic product growth and trade exceeding RM2 trillion for the first nine months of last year as examples of improved domestic performance and investments.
“The government must ensure this good performance will benefit all the rakyat and not just certain quarters,” His Majesty said.
Sultan Ibrahim also touched on the approach taken by the government on targeted subsidies to strengthen its financial standing.
“I urge that the targeted subsidies are distributed effectively to genuinely eligible groups,” His Majesty noted.
The King also urged the government to increase investment in the high-tech and digital sectors while taking immediate steps to strengthen the digital economy and cybersecurity.
His Majesty called on the government to increase the use of efficient and transparent digital technology in its delivery system to the rakyat.
“This is to eradicate corrupt practices, abuse of power and the culture of red tape which causes hardship to the rakyat.”
Sultan Ibrahim also urged the government to continue assisting smallholders, farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen while taking proactive steps to empower the agriculture, commodity and food supply chain sectors.
“The agenda to empower the bumiputra economy through cooperation and support from government companies must continue to be implemented,” His Majesty said.
The King also called on the government to remain committed to ensuring every citizen can own an affordable house.
“The government must also remain committed to providing opportunities for every citizen to own an affordable residence.
“The provision of basic infrastructure, health facilities and education should continue to be improved,” said His Majesty.
Sultan Ibrahim noted that the reform agenda related to education, technical and vocational training as well as youth development, will help create a quality future generation, adding: “I also support efforts to strengthen family values and prosperity of the community.”
On Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), Sultan Ibrahim said everyone must do their part to ensure the country remains clean and safe for tourists.
“No tourists will come if our country is dirty and the crime rate is high,” His Majesty noted.
The King said VM2026 would be a good opportunity to showcase the uniqueness of Malaysian culture and values to the world.
“It will also open up economic opportunities and strengthen the country’s image in the eyes of the world,” Sultan Ibrahim added.
