KUALA LUMPUR: While the rights of the states must be respected, Malaysia’s interests as a nation must be prioritised.
This was His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s decree during his Royal Address at the opening of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament yesterday.
His Majesty reminded lawmakers to go back to the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which was the basis for the formation of Malaysia, and stressed unity, respect and close cooperation between the state and federal governments.
“MA63 has united Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak as a country. We should return to the original intention of the formation of Malaysia,” His Majesty said.
Sultan Ibrahim said the rights of states must be respected, but Malaysia’s interests as a country must be prioritised.
His Majesty also reminded lawmakers to exercise greater caution and not to incite tensions between states, adding that any differences of view must be resolved with maturity, not through hatred and distrust.
His Majesty said that every debate, decision, and vote is more than just a political stand, as it will determine the future of Malaysians.
“Therefore, carry out your task with full integrity, wisdom and responsibility for the interests of the people,” added His Majesty.
Sultan Ibrahim also decreed that education, housing, healthcare and public transport must be prioritised in the implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), while stressing that the people’s well-being must be safeguarded.
“Plans will not be successful if corruption continues,” His Majesty said.
Sultan Ibrahim also congratulated Malaysia for its successful stint as Asean Chair in 2025 and for organising the Asean Summit last year.
His Majesty also congratulated the country for its strong economic performance amid global challenges, as Malaysia recorded gross domestic product growth of 4.7% for the first three quarters of last year as well as low inflation, unemployment and hardcore poverty rates.
