AGONG WANTS 13MP TO FOCUS ON PEOPLE'S WELL-BEING

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia said the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) which begins this year must focus on the well-being of the people, especially in the fields of education, housing, health and public transport.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament for Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara here, today, Sultan Ibrahim stressed that the country's education system must continue to be strengthened as the basis for building the nation, identity and future of the country.

"If a new education system is to be created, it must be made in line with the National Education Policy and Bahasa Melayu must be the main language because it is the National Language.

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"Therefore, any proposal to recognise any other education system must accept Bahasa Melayu and Malaysia's history. If there are those who do not accept the Malay language, it is better not to live in Malaysia," said His Majesty.

The Dewan Rakyat session will last for 20 days with the main focus on the debate on the Motion of Thanks for the Royal Address by members of Parliament which is scheduled to begin tomorrow until Jan 29, followed by winding-up by relevant ministries over four days starting Feb 4.

Meanwhile, the King also reminded that the foundation of the formation of Malaysia was through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) which united Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak as one country.

"We should return to the original intention of the formation of Malaysia, which is unity and respect, as well as close cooperation between the states and the federal government," said His Majesty.

Sultan Ibrahim also reminded all members of Parliament to be more careful not to incite to the point of causing tension between the regions, but instead to resolve any differences of opinion maturely without hatred or suspicion.

His Majesty said that the rights of states must always be respected, but the interests of Malaysia as a whole must be prioritised.

The King in the statement also touched on the importance of creating laws regarding national security and appropriate foreign threats to ensure harmony between all races and the continued preservation of national sovereignty.

His Majesty said this is because of the existence of modern threats on digital security, information integrity and "deep-fake" technology can open up space for fraud cases and undermine social stability.

Sultan Ibrahim also stressed that the threat of serious crime and terrorism, as well as acts that touch on the "3R" issues, must be addressed effectively.

Meanwhile, His Majesty also expressed support for efforts to strengthen the legal framework relating to elections, democratic institutions and political funding.

"This includes efforts to limit the prime minister's term to two terms or 10 years, separating the roles of the attorney general and the public prosecutor, the introduction of a freedom of information act, and the institution of an ombudsman," said His Majesty.

In the same speech, Sultan Ibrahim reminded all members of the House that every debate, decision and vote in the House must be carried out with full trust because it will determine the future of the country.

"Therefore, carry out this task with full trust, wisdom and responsibility for the benefit of all the people," said His Majesty.

The King concluded his address by calling on all parties to pray that Malaysia continues to progress and prosper, be peaceful and that the people enjoy a perfect, happy and prosperous life.

-- BERNAMA