KUALA LUMPUR – Wishing the nation a happy new year, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has expressed his happiness that Malaysia remains peaceful and stable despite the many challenges 2020 has presented.
Sultan Abdullah acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic has forced the nation to adapt to a new way of life this year, affecting both personal safety and the economy.
“His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Permaisuri Agong is aware of the people’s situation and feels the suffering they have gone through, especially those who lost loved ones or their source of income due to Covid-19,” said a statement from Istana Negara, ushering in 2021.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong also expressed hopes that the nation will remain patient and strong when facing challenges, as well as remaining faithful to God.
Giving the nation further reason to remain positive, Sultan Abdullah pointed towards the Covid-19 vaccine, which may be arriving on Malaysia’s shores early next year.
“His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Permaisuri Agong would also like to take the opportunity to thank the frontline heroes who have taken it upon themselves to fight the Covid-19 pandemic for their sacrifices,” the statement added.
Politicians received some admonition from the nation’s head of state, with the Agong urging them to minimise political agendas which cause too much tension.
“May 2021 be blessed by Allah SWT with better conditions than previous years. His Majesty The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Permaisuri Agong pray that the nation and its leaders will continue receiving blessings from Allah SWT," the statement read. – The Vibes, December 31, 2020