By Yasmin Ramlan
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has decreed for the Federal government to take immediate measures to enhance national unity and harmony, including by introducing a specific policy to this end.
In his royal address at the opening of Parliament’s new session today, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong expressed concern over the lack of unity among the nation’s races, despite having achieved independence decades ago.
He cited the struggle among some Malaysians in mastering the national language and understanding other cultures as examples of this disunity.
“I’ve observed that even after over 60 years of independence, racial unity remains imperfect due to the failure of some of today’s generation to master the national language and understand the cultures of other races.
“Therefore, I urge the government to draft a policy towards achieving stronger unity and better harmony among the people,” he said at the opening of the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament, here, today.
Sultan Ibrahim said this must be initiated at an early stage to ensure the unity and understanding among the future generations, emphasising the importance of nurturing these values from a young age.
He also urged everyone, regardless of their background, to uphold national harmony and refrain from engaging in sensitive issues concerning royalty, race and religion (3R).
Burden of debt
On a separate matter, the king expressed his disappointment with the increasing debt affecting the government since 1998, alongside the consistent deficit position recorded annually.
“Are we going to pass this burden to our future generations? The answer lies with all the members of Parliament here,” he said.
To ensure improvement in the national economy, Sultan Ibrahim said he would review the government’s expenditure and ensure proposed spendings are only limited to those that are necessary and crucial for the country.
“I hope during my rule, the government will be able to achieve a fiscal surplus each year.”
His Majesty warned that a weak financial position will affect government performance, particularly in implementing development projects and injecting funds to stimulate the economy.
Continue protesting attacks on Palestine
Commenting on the plight of the Palestinians, Sultan Ibrahim urged the government to continue being vocal and critical in expressing its stance against the ongoing genocide committed by Israel.
“Malaysia needs to firmly voice its position on the Palestinian issue by urging for an immediate ceasefire and accelerating humanitarian assistance,” he said.
According to Al Jazeera, as of February 22, at least 29,410 Palestinians have been killed and 69,465 injured by Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said the last time it was able to deliver food to northern Gaza was on January 23, renewing calls for the international community to allow more aid to the Palestinian territory to avert famine.
Sultan Ibrahim said Malaysia’s position in upholding peace and rejecting violence should also be voiced at the international level.
He said the country must continue to actively foster unity and drive progress at both the global and regional levels, taking into account the geopolitical challenges.
