The Malaysian Insight

PUTRAJAYA’S moves to abolish the goods and services tax (GST) and revise government expenditure in light of the country’s financial situation were commended by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V today.

In the royal address in Parliament, the Agong also welcomed the new government’s efforts to strengthen transparency by disclosing the nation’s true financial position.

“I welcome the approach to restore transparency and re-examine the expenditure, costs of projects and managing its finances with more care.

“To combat costs of living issues, I support moves to abolish GST, stabilise fuel prices and give aid to the lower-income groups to lighten Malaysians’ burdens,” said Sultan Muhammad V in the address to Dewan Rakyat members at the opening of the first parliament sitting after the May 9 elections.

The king also thanked the people for contributing to the Tabung Harapan fund as it showed their concern for the country.

Preserve unity, harmony 

Sultan Muhammad V also addressed concerns pertaining to race and religious issues.

“Malaysians have decided and hence everyone should respect their decision and be magnanimous, not be emotional and cloud their minds with lies and closed sentiments. 

“I hope everyone will work towards creating a genuine unity by finding points of agreement and not differences to work together for the survival of the country,” he said in the second royal address to Parliament this year.

This is his first royal address since the 14th general election on May 9. The first Dewan Rakyat session, from July 16 until August 16, centres its debates on the royal address before other government business.

As such, he said, efforts to help marginalised Malaysians should be viewed as an attempt to repair the social imbalance that the country inherited and not as racial discrimination. 

“There are many who assumed that the multiracial, multireligious and multicultural fabric of Malaysia will threaten our stability.

“But I am thankful that this assumption is wrong, as Malaysians have proven otherwise. 

“As such, I call on every to preserve this unity and harmony. Negative elements that threaten this harmony should be eradicated. Stop raising sensitive racial issues.”

As such, Sultan Muhammad V said he welcomed the setting up of a harmony council to promote more unity programmes.

Minimum wage for all

The Agong also welcomed the steps by the Pakatan Harapan government to restore integrity and governance based on the rule of law.

He said such steps will restore investor confidence and attract new investors.

“The mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan (2018-2020), which will be tabled this year, is among the government’s steps to face certain challenges facing the country.

“I hope the MPs will take part in the debates and contribute good views towards this review.”

He said there were about 15 million workers contributing to the development of Malaysia and hoped that there will be a commission to ensure a minimum wage for all.

In light of the era of industrial revolution 4.0, he welcomed any strategy or policy to face its challenges. – July 17, 2018.