IPOH: All Malaysians, including the people's representatives from both sides of the political divide, need to work together as the country faces the impact from the conflict in the Middle East
Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said the country faces the looming risk of potential disruptions to food supply, energy emergency and impact to the economy, thus requiring a united front between the government and the people.
"This is not the time to fish in troubled waters, to sensationalise and to exploit the situation for narrow political gain.
"Members of the state legislative assembly, from both government and Opposition, alongside political and community leaders, the private sector, and the public service, must rise above differences and work towards common purpose," said Sultan Nazrin in his royal speech during the opening of the fourth year of the 15th state legislative assembly at the perak Darul Ridzuan building here on Tuesday (April 14).
"Only a united front, rooted in loyalty to the King and the nation, can ensure effective measures, safeguard stability, and protect the well-being of the people," he said.
"The public must be informed with clarity about the causes, magnitude, and consequences of the crisis through effective communication in plain and accessible language," he added.
Sultan Nazrin said the country needs to prepare, in both resources and spirit, for the possibility of a prolonged global crisis.
"The conflict involving the United States and Israel with Iran reaches far beyond politics and military manoeuvres.
"Its consequences ripple across regional stability, global economies, and the hearts of humanity itself," he said.
"We must fortify economic resilience, safeguard our food supply, preserve financial stability, and protect national unity, standing shoulder to shoulder to face every challenge.
"In a society of multiethnic and multi-faith as ours, harmony is our most treasured asset, and it must be safeguarded with unwavering resolve," he added.
Sultan Nazrin said the people need to embrace the spirit of shared duty, standing together in solidarity with the government in facing the challenges.
"We must consume wisely, reduce fuel use, and ease the burden of subsidies.
"We must use electricity thoughtfully, practise moderation, and cut waste, especially in food," he said.
"Together, we bear the load, climb every mountain, and overcome every obstacle, side by side, shoulder to shoulder, supporting our nation through these testing times," he added.
Sultan Nazrin also called on the government to respond decisively to the developments in the Middle East.
"Complacency or passive observation is not an option.
"This crisis serves as a clear signal to act with purpose and reduce reliance on fossil fuels as a long-term strategic priority," he said.
"Immediate efforts are required to expand infrastructure and provide practical pathways for the adoption of alternative energy, including electric vehicles and renewable sources such as solar and hydropower.
"The transition to alternative energy must be thoughtfully planned, accelerated, and executed with determination," he said.
"Investment in renewable energy is no longer optional; it is an urgent strategic imperative demanding swift and sustained action," he added.
