KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 — Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah expressed his gratitude today for the Malay Rulers’ support in enabling Malaysia to overcome various events and challenges since 2019.
Al-Sultan Abdullah, who will end his tenure as the nation’s 16th King on January 30 next year, said despite many challenges, the Conference of Rulers has always helped to find the best solutions for the people’s well-being.
“Whether political turmoil or the Covid-19 pandemic, throughout my reign, I have always upheld the oath I took with utmost sincerity, to govern Malaysia fairly and following the Federal Constitution’s provisions.
“I am also grateful for the Malay Rulers’ willingness to come to Istana Negara to discuss and seek a solution together for the good of the nation and the people,” said His Majesty on the second day of the 262nd edition of the Conference of Rulers’ meeting at Istana Negara today.
The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, presided over the two-day meeting, which began yesterday (October 25).
The King said the Rulers’ full support throughout his reign protected the country and its people from uncertainties and chaos.
“The institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not merely symbolic. It protects democratic practices, the pillar of our nation’s peace, and the pulse of our national unity.
“It represents the spirit and soul of the country’s final instrument for checks and balances, capable of using discretion to reach a decision when all other methods have failed,” said His Majesty.
In the King’s view, the Rulers collectively act as protectors defending the people and is a bastion for Malaysia’s peace and prosperity.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also reminisced on several events throughout his five-year reign, including the Covid-19 pandemic impacting the national economy and Malaysians’ livelihood, resulting in the proclamation of emergency and the implementation of the movement control order.
His Majesty is the nation’s first sovereign to experience the tenure of four prime ministers, each with their respective Cabinets, during his five-year reign, and who helped Malaysia navigate a hung Parliament for the first time in the country’s modern history after no coalition won a clear majority during the 15th general election last year.
“I gave the MPs an opportunity to come to an understanding based on the principle of unity for the future of our country,” the King said.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also expressed his gratitude to Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Nazrin Shah for willingly carrying out the duties of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong during his absence in the country or due to health factors.
“I am indeed lucky and grateful as after 44 years as Tengku Mahkota Pahang, and after 15 days of my installation as the Sultan of Pahang, I was given the opportunity by the grace of Allah SWT to accede the throne as Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” said His Majesty.
The 263rd (Special) Conference of Rulers will hold its vote to elect the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong and his deputy.
— Bernama
