HIS MAJESTY Sultan Ibrahim, Malaysia’s king, has emphasised that he will not entertain any party that tries to undermine the country’s political stability.
Therefore, he wants all parties to accept and respect the formation of the unity government that currently governs the country.
He warned anyone wanting to play politics that they should to wait for the opportunity to compete in the next general election (GE).
“I want to emphasise here that I will not entertain requests from any party that tries to disturb the political stability of the country.
“All parties must accept and respect the unity government that has been formed. If you want to play politics, wait for the next election,” he said.
He said this in his address while gracing the official opening of the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Also present was Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Malaysia’s queen.
Their Majesties had earlier arrived at Parliament Square at 10am and were greeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Also present were the two deputy prime ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as well as Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul and Dewan Negara President Datuk Mutang Tagal.
This is parliament’s first opening ceremony by Sultan Ibrahim since being sworn in as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on January 31.
Bernama reported that Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofia were then escorted to the royal court and received the royal salute, mounted by the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment from Sg Besi Perdana Camp, Kuala Lumpur.
The national anthem was then played by the Central Band of the Royal Malay Regiment, followed by a 21-gun salute by the 41st Ceremonial Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment, Sg Buloh Camp, Selangor.
Sultan Ibrahim then inspected a guard of honour.
Once the inspection was completed, His Majesty was accorded the second royal salute and the national anthem was played.
Their Majesties were escorted to the Royal Room at the parliament building, before heading to the Dewan Rakyat to deliver the royal address.
Based on the calendar on parliament’s official website, this parliamentary sitting will last for 19 days, with the main focus to be the debate on the royal address by MPs from February 27 to March 7, and then the winding-up by the relevant ministries for four days, starting March 11.
Meanwhile, the Dewan Negara’s sitting will take place from March 18 until April 4. – The Vibes, February 26, 2024