[UPDATED] Enough politicking: Agong commends stability after govt-Pakatan MoU

KUALA LUMPUR – The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the government and opposition last September did not go unnoticed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as he made a special mention of the historic document in Parliament today.

His Majesty, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, would also later emphasise on the pertinence of doing away with any forms of politicking and to focus solely on the rakyat.

Officiating the Fifth Session of the 14th Parliament term, the king expressed his gratitude with the political stability that has been achieved through the bipartisan cooperation made possible by the MoU signing.

He said the result of this agreement and maturity has, among other things, made it possible for the Parliament to pass the constitutional amendments related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

“Indeed, the event will definitely be ranked as a historic moment for Keluarga Malaysia,” he said today.

“Political maturity such as this is what the rakyat wants. Moving forward, I urge all honourable members of the House to continue maintaining this understanding and preserve the political stability that has been achieved.”

Towards the end of his lengthy speech, the Agong once again touched on the importance of cooperation between both benches through two verses of pantun.

He noted that works will be easier if every party is united and advised everyone to stop politicking “day and night” and to instead focus their attention in safeguarding the interest of the people.

With the government now focusing on efforts for economic recovery, the king spent a large portion of his speech today commenting on this front, as well as the importance of ensuring the welfare of the rakyat and businesses are taken care of.

Complete projects on time, according to required standards

For one, His Majesty noted on the declining rate of unemployment and the improving labour market conditions, which he said are indicators of economic recovery.

He commended the government in accelerating aid to the public, particularly after the recent flood disaster, and in actualising hundreds of thousands of job placements.

The ruler also took notice of the country’s outstanding investment and trade performances, saying this success reflects foreign investors’ confidence in Malaysia’s economic fundamentals and investment ecosystem.

To ensure the rakyat benefits from the promises made under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the Agong urges the government to ensure that all programs and projects are completed on schedule and meet the required standards.

He also highlighted the importance of reducing development and economic disparities between income classes, regions, states and ethnic groups, so that the nation’s prosperity is equally enjoyed by everyone.

Additionally, he urged the government to give priority to housing access via income-friendly initiatives for the lower and middle-income Malaysians.

Thumbs up for mega rail projects

The Agong also expressed support for efforts currently taken by the government to develop mega rail infrastructure projects, which he said would provide comfort and connectivity as well as generate development spill over effects.

Among the projects he gave special mention were the East Coast Rail Link, Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System, and the Mass Rapid Transit Line 2.

His Majesty also urged for the development of connectivity and accessibility networks for existing road networks to continue and said mega high projects like the Central Spine Road, West Coast Expressway and Pan Borneo Highway will drive regional development and local economic growth.

“At the same time, infrastructure development in Sabah and Sarawak must be accelerated following the relocation of Indonesia’s capital to the province of Kalimantan,” he said.

Separately, the King has supported calls for the international borders to reopen the soonest possible to assist the recovery of the tourism industry, a key player in the country’s economy.

“New norm post-pandemic tourism activities must continue to be created to provide vacation opportunities for the people as well as to create a culture of safe tourism.

“To this end, the focus should not only be on domestic tourism, but also on exploring opportunities to once again receive foreign tourists.” – The Vibes, February 28, 2022