KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 — Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today advised all quarters to practise deliberative democracy in finding solutions to any problem.
As such, His Majesty welcomed the openness of the government in giving opportunities to various quarters including Members of Parliament to get involved in public governance.
“I also welcome and greatly appreciate the efforts towards realising the new bipartisan cooperation approach among all quarters that will create a new political landscape and bring about changes in the country’s administration system,” the King said when opening the Fourth Session of the 14th Parliament here today.
While describing such maturity as a long-coveted change, Al-Sultan Abdullah said only with strong unity, solidarity and togetherness of the people, as a big Malaysian Family, can the country face all challenges and trials.
“Take the old Malay proverb biduk lalu kiambang bertaut (when the boat passes, the duckweeds reconnect)” as it’s true that winners will not win all and losers will not lose all,” he said.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also called on all Members of Parliament (MPs) to return their focus to the efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and bring back hope to the people and the country that had been plagued by health issues and economic depression.
His Majesty said any seed of conflict should be removed so that Malaysia will remain a peaceful, harmonious and united country.
“I have received hundreds of letters from the people who shared their grievances and hopes to get back to their normal life soon.
“My advice to all MPs is not to put the future of the country and my people at stake in achieving certain agenda,” he said.
In conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16, Al-Sultan Abdullah also called on the MPs and the people to observe the history of the country’s independence and the formation of the Malaysian Federation to enhance the spirit of patriotism and love for the country.