KUALA LUMPUR – Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has stressed that the Parliament is not a place to spread slander, urging lawmakers to conduct themselves in a manner capable of preserving national unity while prioritising the rakyat’s wellbeing.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, the King called on MPs to avoid politicising every issue and putting the interests of political parties or certain groups first before the needs of the people.
Highlighting how the Parliament is a dignified institution where the nation’s prosperity and rakyat-focused agendas are discussed, Sultan Ibrahim said it should not be utilised as an arena to trade political barbs or throw slanderous remarks.
“The Parliament is the most key assembly House in our national system, where the law is enacted while check and balance (measures are implemented) on our national administration.
“Honourable MPs should be the fortress of national unity, not agents (perpetuating) division amongst the rakyat,” the King said as part of his opening address during a ceremony attended by Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara members.
Sultan Ibrahim also noted that while the parliamentary sittings of the previous year saw some improvements among MPs who showed “more polite” behaviour, a number of lawmakers appear to have found it difficult to rid themselves of “old habits”.
“There is no need for me to list down such bad behaviour as I believe that every MP is aware of how to conduct themselves appropriately,” the royal figure said.
He also expressed his appreciation for the role played by leaders in maintaining political stability, which he said has contributed to the economic and social prosperity of the nation.
Pointing to the nation’s encouraging domestic economic performance and increased investments as well as the strengthening of the ringgit and low unemployment rate, the King congratulated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the government on the positive showing.
“However, the government should ensure that such good performance will bring benefits to the rakyat as a whole and not just certain groups,” Sultan Ibrahim said.
He stressed that while he welcomes the targeted subsidy approach undertaken by the government, such aid should be distributed efficiently and effectively only to truly deserving members of the public.
The royal address marked the opening of the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament, which is expected to last for 18 days beginning today.
Lawmakers will debate the royal address for seven days from February 4, followed by winding-up speeches by relevant ministries from February 19 to 25. The final six days of the meeting will be utilised for debates on bills and other government matters.
The Dewan Negara, meanwhile, is scheduled to sit for 13 days, beginning March 3. – February 3, 2025