Kuala Lumpur: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on Monday urged lawmakers to tread carefully on matters that could create friction between states, as he called for diplomacy to trump hostility and suspicion.
In an address to open this term’s Parliament proceedings, he stressed the need to honour the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), but said the collective interest of Malaysia must take precedence.
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“The foundation of Malaysia’s formation is through the Malaysia Agreement 1963. It unified Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak as one country,” the King said.
“It is only appropriate that we return to the original spirit of Malaysia’s formation — that is mutual respect as well as close cooperation between the states and the Federal Government. Members of the hall must always be careful not to incite to the point tension between states rises,” he added.
“The reality is the rights of all states must be respected. However, the collective interests of Malaysians must always take precedence.”
For decades, leaders in East Malaysia have claimed that rights granted to them under MA63 were eroded or ignored.
In recent years, there has been a massive political push to “restore” these rights, resulting in a more hardened nativist “Sabah for Sabahans” and “Sarawak First” sentiment that has given rise to secessionist rhetoric.
Parties from the peninsula were trounced in the recent Sabah state elections in what analysts said underpinned the growing rejection of Putrajaya’s influence in the Bornean states.
Sultan Ibrahim 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.
He 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.
“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 today (Tuesday) until Jan 29, followed by winding-up by relevant ministries over four days starting Feb 4.
The King 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.
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.
He 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.
