Stop politicking and slandering, Agong tells MPs

PARLIAMENT Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah has urged lawmakers to cease politicking and expressed his wish for the continuation of the current administration in order to realise the goal of making Malaysia a high-income nation.

In his opening address at this year's Parliament session, he said differing views should be appreciated, instead of slandering and attempting to topple each other.

"Once again, I call upon all the honourable members to be united and to love this country. Give your undivided loyalty, defend and protect the country.

"I hope all the honourable members will stop politicking for narrow interests as the prolonged (politicking) has exhausted the people and government," he said.

"Be a good example to the people by working together to come out with views that are beneficial to the harmony of the people and the prosperity of the country.

"In a parliamentary democracy, we may have different views. Celebrate the space (the difference), not topple, slander and foster enmity with each other, which can lead to the downfall of the nation," he added.

Maintain harmony

The Agong also reminded the people to maintain harmony and uphold peace.

"Attempts to incite racial sentiment and abuse social media by spreading seditious and slanderous remarks and extremist ideologies should be contained immediately.

“Inability to act promptly could lead to bigger conflicts and discord," he said.

He also hoped that all efforts to strengthen religious institutions and enhance the administration of Islamic laws by empowering the Syariah Court would be realised.

"Religious issues should be referred to the relevant authorities and not subjected to interpretation by individuals or groups as this could cause unnecessary confusion and friction within the society," he added.

Tuanku Abdul Halim also expressed support for the government's efforts to contain terrorism.

"The threat to national security is real. The rise of militant and terrorist activities within the country must be taken seriously as it can destabilise the nation.

"We hereby support any form of proactive action through the enactment of laws and upgrading of security assets to curb the spread of extremist and militant ideology,” he declared.

-Mkini