The Agong starts off with some humour, telling MPs to “take your seat, don’t run”.
The King’s address:
- Accept the outcome of GE14
- Set aside political differences for the betterment of the peopleCurb negative elements that affect unity and harmony
- Stop raising sensitive issues among the races
The Agong:
- Welcomes government’s approach in enforcing transparency in disclosure of country’s financial state
- Supports move to abolish GST, stabilise fuel prices, extend Bantuan Sara Hidup
- Applauds people’s patriotism by donating to Tabung Harapan
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V today opened the first meeting of the first session of the 14th Parliament, marking a significant point in history as Malaysia is being led by the new Pakatan Harapan (PH) government.
Another milestone that was created is this is the second time that the King has opened a parliamentary session in the same year.
On March 5, Sultan Muhammad V had officially opened the first meeting of the sixth session of the 13th Parliament before the Dewan Rakyat was dissolved in April, to pave the way for the 14th general election (GE14).
His Majesty arrived at Parliament Square at 10 am and was welcomed by the newly-minted Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof and Senate President Datuk Seri S Vigneswaran.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail were also present to greet the King on his arrival.
Sultan Muhammad V was then led to the royal stage, Penterakna Diraja, to receive the royal salute mounted by the Royal Malay Regiment Central Band.
At the same time, the royal flag was hoisted, accompanied by a 21-gun salute and the national anthem.
His Majesty then inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by the First Battalion Royal Malay Regiment before returning to the royal stage to receive the royal salute for the second time, which was followed by the national anthem.
After the ceremony, the King was led to the Royal Room in the Parliament building for a group photo and then to Parliament House to deliver his speech.
He started the day in the Dewan Rakyat by cracking a joke that drew laughter from the bench, with some PH MPs seen thumping on their desks to show support.
“Yang berhormat, sila duduk dan jangan lari (Yang berhormat, please sit down and don’t run),” said the Agong just before he sat down.
The quip was seemingly targeted at the Opposition members who staged a walkout yesterday, after expressing dissatisfaction over the process of appointing the Speaker which they alleged was not done in accordance with the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders.
The King has decreed that all parties must accept the outcome of GE14.
He said that this is because the electoral results were decided by the people themselves.
“Therefore, all quarters must abide and be open-hearted, not emotional, not to colour the mind with slander and uncontrolled, narrow and closed-minded sentiment.
“Much of (the people’s) thinking is shaped by the media, which have (published) sensational and speculative news.
“I hope all parties work towards “cleaning” (penjernihan) that is honest and are wholehearted to create a harmony that is pure and virtuous.
“Everyone must find a common ground, not differences, by working together for the prosperity of the people and survival of the nation
“Negative elements that affect the unity and harmony need to be curbed. Stop raising sensitive issues among the races,” he said during his royal address.
His Majesty welcomed the government’s approach in enforcing transparency especially in the disclosure of country’s financial state as well as the initiative to study and manage the country’s expenditure on all projects.
“We welcome the government’s efforts to enhance transparency, among others, by fully disclosing the government’s financial position and re-evaluating expenditures, as well as practising prudent financial management,” he said.
He also supported the PH government’s initiative to abolish the goods and services tax (GST).
“In order to curb the rising cost of living, we support the move to abolish GST, as well as to stabilise fuel prices and to extend the Bantuan Sara Hidup, so as to ease the people’s burden.
“We also applaud the people from all walks of life, for their show of patriotism, by donating to Tabung Harapan,” Sultan Muhammad V said.
Parliament will sit for 20 days until August 16.