NAJIB LOSES HIS ‘STRANGLEHOLD’ ON ROYALS – RULERS COOL THEIR ANIMOSITY TOWARDS DR MAHATHIR: IN SIGNIFICANT MOVE, THE KING – WHO HAILS FROM NAJIB’S HOME STATE – EXPRESSES HOPES TO HAVE CLOSE TIES WITH DR M

The 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah having a casual chat with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (left) and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali (right) after the installation ceremony at Istana Negara on Tuesday. (July 30) --fotoBERNAMA (2019) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA

KUALA LUMPUR – Newly installed Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has praised Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, describing him as a timeless statesman who works for the benefit of the people.

Sultan Abdullah said Dr Mahathir had also led the government when his late father Paduka Ayahanda Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah was installed as the seventh Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“So the saying is true, that a renowned statesman is everlasting, and will not be out of date over time or in terms of age.

“I hope that the close relations and understanding that existed between Al-Marhum Paduka Ayahanda with the Prime Minister can be continued during my reign for the benefit of our beloved country and rakyat,” said Sultan Abdullah at his installation as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara.

Al-Marhum Sultan Ahmad Shah served as the seventh Yang di-Pertuan Agong from April 26, 1979 until April 25, 1984 when Dr Mahathir was helming the government as the country’s fourth prime minister.

Sultan Abdullah also expressed confidence that the Pakatan Harapan government, led

by Dr Mahathir, would be able to overcome any obstacle and continue to move forward to achieve success.

His Majesty also welcomed the government’s efforts in restructuring the country’s development plans and strengthening the country’s finances, besides enhancing governance and integrity as well as combating corruption and defending the rule of law.

“I would like to congratulate my government for its foresight in coming up with a new economic model known as the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.

“I hope that efforts to eradicate poverty are also given priority. The cycle of the legacy of poverty should be addressed immediately because it can affect the agenda of building a developed nation,” he said.

The King also said that he supported all efforts to improve governance, integrity and corruption, and uphold the rule of law.

“I hope that all measures to eradicate poverty will be given priority. The cycle of poverty must be addressed immediately as it can affect the country’s agenda to become a developed nation.

“The journey to achieve shared prosperity will not be easy. Every level of the rakyat must contribute to make Malaysia a developed nation respected by the world,” said His Majesty.

– ANN