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King upset with Malaysia’s growing debt levels
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26, 2024: Malaysia’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) Sultan Ibrahim, in his address in Parliament today, that he was disappointed with the country’s growing debt levels.
“This was caused by Putrajaya perpetually being in a deficit position since 1998. I will vet all government expenditure to ensure public funds are spent for the right purposes.
“I also hope that Putrajaya will achieve a fiscal surplus every year during my rule,” he added.
With the Ringgit’s continuous drop in value, Malaysia’s RM1.5 trillion national debt is ballooning.
No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report on the King’s address in Parliament:
I will vet govt expenditure, says Agong
Sultan Ibrahim hopes that Putrajaya will achieve a fiscal surplus every year during his rule.
Lynelle Tham - 26 Feb 2024, 11:20am
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim said he is disappointed with Malaysia’s growing debt levels. (Bernama pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, says he will vet all government expenditure to ensure public funds are spent for the right purposes.
The Agong said he was disappointed with Malaysia’s growing debt levels, adding that this was caused by Putrajaya perpetually being in a deficit position since 1998.
“Will this burden be left for our grandchildren to bear?” he said in addressing the Dewan Rakyat.
“Therefore, I support the government’s efforts to immediately take steps to save funds and implement targeted subsidies.
“I will also examine the government’s expenditures and ensure that every proposed spending is really necessary. I hope that, during my rule, the government will achieve a fiscal surplus every year.”
Sultan Ibrahim said a weak financial position will hinder the government from executing development projects or giving fiscal injections to stimulate economic growth.
He said more holistic policies must continue to be introduced, including the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Bill 2023.
He added that Putrajaya must be strict in curbing leakages and misappropriation of public funds.
Agong calls for policy to foster greater unity
Meanwhile, the Agong urged the government to formulate a policy to foster greater national unity and harmony.
He said the unity among Malaysians was “not yet perfect”, citing the failure of some to master the national language, Bahasa Melayu, and to understand the cultures of other ethnicities.
“If we want to build a future generation that is united and understanding of one another, we must mould them from a young age.
“I urge every layer of society to preserve our harmony. Also, do not touch on sensitive issues, namely royalty, race and religion,” he added
Sultan Ibrahim also said Islam’s position as Malaysia’s official religion will continue to be preserved. While other religions may be practised, he reminded that proselytising to Muslims was forbidden.
“Therefore, no one should challenge or politicise this fundamental principle in the Federal Constitution.”
Respect govt mandate, wait for GE16 to ‘play politics’, says King
In a strongly-worded maiden address to the Dewan Rakyat, Sultan Ibrahim says he will not entertain ‘requests’ from those trying to cause political instability.
Lynelle Tham - 26 Feb 2024, 11:02am
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim inspecting the guard of honour before the opening of the first meeting of the third session of the 15th Parliament today. (Bernama pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: In his maiden address to the Dewan Rakyat, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim warned MPs against causing any political instability.
Sultan Ibrahim said MPs must prioritise protecting the welfare of Malaysians rather than their own interests or that of their political parties.
“I want to stress here that I will not entertain requests from parties who are trying to threaten the nation’s political stability. All parties must accept the reality and respect the unity government which has been formed.
“If you want to play politics, wait for the next general election (GE16),” he said in the Dewan Rakyat.
The Agong also urged MPs to set a good example in the Dewan Rakyat, warning against unparliamentary behaviour in the House.
He said the conduct of certain MPs left him embarrassed in the past.
“I give the (Dewan Rakyat) Speaker (Johari Abdul) the greenlight to take stern action on MPs who go over the top. He may impose a 14-day ban if some are still stubborn,” he said.
The last parliamentary session saw multiple shouting matches erupting in the Dewan Rakyat over various issues. Some MPs spoke impolite words to one another, causing a few to be ejected or suspended.
Sultan Ibrahim added that his reign as the Agong will emulate that of his predecessor (Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah) in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the established policies and regulations that are in place.
“My role here is to fulfil the responsibilities and trust of the Malay rulers in ensuring that the nation’s sovereignty and prosperity, as well as the wellbeing of the people, will always be preserved,” he said.
The Agong also called for unity and cooperation among all MPs from both sides of the divide for the country’s development.
“In my view, the success or failure of our country does not rest solely on the shoulders of the prime minister (Anwar Ibrahim), but on all 222 MPs who have been entrusted by the people to represent them in the government,” he said.
“All parties should be aware that the well-being of more than 33 million Malaysians is my utmost priority. Therefore, I hope that all MPs will focus their efforts on safeguarding the people.”
MALAYSIA
I won’t entertain attempts to undermine political stability, says Agong
Sultan Ibrahim tells MPs to respect unity govt, wait for next general election to play politics.
Updated 1 hour ago · Published on 26 Feb 2024 12:36PM
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, Malaysia’s king, with Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Malaysia’s queen. – Facebook pic, February 26, 2024.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
Federal Constitution is supreme and must be respected by all, says King
By MARTIN CARVALHO, GERARD GIMINO and BENJAMIN LEE
Monday, 26 Feb 2024
11:55 AM MYT
PETALING JAYA: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia wants the government to formulate a policy to strengthen national unity and harmony.
His Majesty said after more than 60 years since Malaysia was formed, relationships between races were not as desired.
"There are some from the current generation who have failed to master the national language and appreciate the diverse cultures of other races.
"I therefore call on the government to formulate a policy aimed at ensuring unity that is stronger and for better harmony among the people," His Majesty said in his royal address when opening the first meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament on Monday (Feb 26).
Sultan Ibrahim also called on all levels of society to strengthen national unity and not to incite others by harping on 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues.
"We are all aware that the Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the land which must be respected.
"This was the result of the agreement among Malay Rulers to establish a federation and to empower Parliament to enact laws," His Majesty said.
His Majesty said the Federal Constitution recognises Islam as the religion of the Federation and this will continue to be preserved.
"Other religions can be practised in peace and harmony but they should not proselytise Muslims.
"Therefore, there should not be attempts by any party to manipulate and politicise this basic foundation of the Constitution," said Sultan Ibrahim.
His Majesty also said that excessive government red tape must be done away with.
"The government machinery must also improve its efficiency and the integrity of work ethics to achieve successful economic development.
"I dislike systems which involve excessive red tape, therefore, the efficiency of work processes and governance must be constantly evaluated and improved," he said.
He also praised the government's achievement in obtaining the 29th rank in the World Competitiveness Index 2023 in terms of government efficiency.
"I encourage ongoing efforts to raise the people's confidence in the effectiveness of services provided by the public agencies," he said. - The Star
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