PETALING JAYA: Meeting the needs of the people, reviving the economy and preserving stability will be the government’s priority, in line with the wishes of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
Cabinet ministers and government backbenchers all agreed that His Majesty’s call in the royal address at the opening of the Dewan Rakyat should be heeded.
“Together with the Prime Minister and government MPs, we are fully prepared for the royal address debate which commences tomorrow and will provide a high commitment to this Parliament session,” Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said yesterday.
ALSO READ: ‘Respect the Constitution’
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof pointed out that His Majesty decreed that all parties work together.
“His Majesty wants all to be of one heart to develop the country for the interest of all Malaysians,” he said.
Fadillah said all parties must also accept the government that has been formed.
Meeting of minds: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the opening ceremony of the first meeting of the third session of the 15th Parliament. With him are Fadillah (left), Ahmad Zahid (second from left) and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul (second from right). — Bernama
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said it is clear His Majesty wants Parliament to continue prioritising the nation and its people.
“The focus should always be on the country and the rakyat, and not for MPs to play politics.
ALSO READ: Observe decorum or face suspension, MPs warned
“Also, there is a call for continued unity and harmony among the races,” said the Kota Tinggi MP.
Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who is also the Titiwangsa MP, said the government and the Opposition must work together to put the economy back on track.
“We were also reminded that there will be no change of government at least until 2027,” he said.
Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman said His Majesty repeatedly highlighted how the job of tackling the people’s issues did not lie on the Prime Minister’s shoulders alone, but on all 222 MPs.
ALSO READ: Opposition lauds message on unity by King
“May the coming Parliament sitting be filled with intellectual and constructive debates by both government and Opposition and not be tainted by racial and slanderous sentiments that do not benefit the people,” she said in a Facebook post.
Jelebu MP Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said he deeply respects the King’s suggestions on formulating a policy or strategy towards unity and harmony.
“There are some who are still not proficient in speaking the national language and those who do not understand the culture of other races – this is a clear example that His Majesty has a long-term vision to uphold unity based on the Federal Constitution.
“His Majesty also does not want anyone to raise sensitive issues pertaining to royalty, religion and race (3R). This is in line with what is being championed by the government.”
ALSO READ: Broker peace deal with Opposition for good of the nation, govt urged
Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng said the King emphasised political stability and reducing the country’s debt.
“I believe Tuanku’s heart is in the right place and I trust His Majesty will guide the government in the right direction,” he said.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim urged all parties to stop playing with 3R issues.
“I think it is best is that all MPs and the public listen to the King.
“When it comes to the issue of race, it is sensitive, and the King wants to unite the people for the good of the country,” he said.
Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong said all parties should respect the unity government.
“All parties must accept the reality and respect the unity government that has been formed.
“Anyone who wants to play politics should wait until the next election,” he added.
