Will racial and religious bigots listen to the King?

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Will racial and religious bigots listen to the King?

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3, 2025: Malaysia’s 17^th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) Sultan Ibrahim wants Members of Parliament (MPs) to stop using the august house for political gain.

“MPs must rise above petty politics and refrain from nexploiting issues,” the King said in his address at the opening of the Parliament meeting today.

Sultan Ibrahim also said the Dewan was not a forum for MPs to slander or hurl false accusations against one another.

“Lawmakers should prioritise unity and promote solidarity. Stop politicising every issue and refrain from prioritising only your party or group,” he said.

The problem is: Will the racial and religious bigoted leaders and politicians from both sides o0f the political divide listen?

It is clear that the bigotry that is threatening national unity and harmony, and the conducive economic environment, will not stop unless there is stern action against the real culprits, like Umno youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and the likes.

No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report on the King’s address in Parliament and his advice to all:

Agong tells MPs not to use Dewan for political gain

Minderjeet Kaur

-03 Feb 2025, 11:09 AM

Sultan Ibrahim urges MPs to rise above petty politics and refrain from exploiting issues. 

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim delivered his speech at the opening of the first meeting of the fourth session of the 15th Parliament today. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim today urged MPs to rise above petty politics and refrain from exploiting issues for political gain.

Addressing the first meeting of the fourth session of the 15th Parliament, Sultan Ibrahim said that the Dewan Rakyat was an institution which represents Malaysians, crafts laws and holds the nation’s administration accountable through checks and balances.

The king also said that the Dewan was not a forum for MPs to slander or hurl false accusations against one another.

He also called on lawmakers to prioritise unity and promote solidarity.

“Stop politicising every issue and refrain from prioritising only your party or group,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by members of both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.

Reflecting on the parliamentary sessions of the previous year, Sultan Ibrahim acknowledged an improvement in decorum and respect shown by MPs during debates. However, he said a minority still struggled to behave well.

“I believe members know how to conduct themselves appropriately,” he added, urging them to uphold the dignity and integrity of Parliament.

Expressing concern over a rise in online slander, the king said such actions could lead to public confusion and division. “The government must take firm action to curb this culture and be proactive in providing accurate and trustworthy information,” he said.

Sultan Ibrahim also stressed the importance of strong federal-state relations, saying every decision must be made through discussion and consensus for the sake of the nation.

Demonstrating strong leadership as Asean chair

On Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean this year, the king called for strong leadership and a clear direction for the regional bloc.

He also encouraged the government to maintain good diplomatic relations with all nations while protecting Malaysia’s sovereignty and borders.

While commending the country’s growth in terms of the economy and investment, he said such progress must benefit all Malaysians, not just a select few.

“That is why I welcome the subsidy rationalisation measures that have strengthened the government’s finances, but the subsidies should be carefully targeted at those who truly need them,” he said.

He also called for the government to adopt more efficient and transparent digital systems to curb corruption and reduce bureaucratic red tape, which he said often inconvenienced the public.

Sultan Ibrahim also reiterated the importance of the Bumiputera agenda while calling for continued efforts to provide affordable housing opportunities for all Malaysians.

“Infrastructure, basic amenities, and healthcare must also be given priority,” he said.

He also called on all parties to ensure the success of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign by maintaining a safe and clean environment. He likewise urged the government to prioritise cleanliness and public safety.

“No tourist will want to visit Malaysia if our country is dirty and plagued by high crime rates,” he said.