Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (seated, left) during the National Banquet in conjunction with the end of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's reign. – BernamaPic
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed confidence that the people had benefited from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah's justice and prudence in ensuring that everyone enjoyed peace throughout His Majesty's reign.
The Prime Minister said the concern shown by Al-Sultan Abdullah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah for the people's welfare went beyond the confines of the established boundaries between a monarch and his subjects.
"Beginning with prolonged political instability, the spread and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and shifting economic downturns, the country has been in uncertainty and crisis.
"However, His Majesty has fulfilled the responsibilities of leadership perfectly, embodying qualities with a people-centric approach which consistently aligns with the rakyat to ensure that peace and well-being remain priorities in any circumstances," Anwar said.
Anwar said this in his address at the State Banquet held in a hotel here on Saturday (Jan 27) in conjunction with the completion of the reign of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Anwar said the reign of Al-Sultan Abdullah also marked a new chapter in the country's history. Three prime ministerial changes tested the government administration, requiring efficient leadership and sacrifices beyond ordinary practices.
However, with the Constitutional Monarchy system and its role in the Westminster-style democratic system, the importance of the monarchy, especially in unravelling prolonged political challenges and crises, became evident, he said.
"We witnessed His Majesty's wisdom during the political turmoil, with three changes for the Prime Minister's post until the general election held at the end of November 2022, which ultimately showed that no political party obtained a sufficient majority to form the government.
"His Majesty, as witnessed at that time (political turmoil), finally decreed the establishment of a stable and strong government that encompassed all races, all states, and territories in the country to break the political deadlock.
" As they say, the rest is history, and this moment signifies how the Constitutional Monarchy system has become a fitting precedence in addressing political challenges," he said.
Anwar also expressed appreciation for Al-Sultan Abdullah's wisdom in establishing a Unity Government that successfully fostered consensus and enabled political stability.
"This trust and concern for the people, further strengthens my commitment, along with the Cabinet, to ensuring good governance of the country to uplift the nation's status and the welfare of the people.
"Insya-Allah, the government is determined to continue efforts and dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly for the sake of the people and our beloved country,” the prime minister said.
Anwar also said that Al-Sultan Abdullah's concern for the country's economic situation injected vigour into the government's commitment to focus on implementing economic structural reforms and enhancing the country's competitiveness to ensure more inclusive, robust and sustainable economic growth.
As a result, Malaysia has achieved the 29th position in terms of government efficiency as reflected in the World Competitiveness Ranking 2023 report,” he added. – Bernama
