Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, the newly installed King of Malaysia, called on Malaysians to refrain from inciting misunderstanding.
In his maiden speech, he said that people should not raise issues that may undermine or destroy harmony in the country.
His stressed that unity and harmony are the pillars and strength of the nation, saying playing with fire will burn not only “oneself but also the whole village.”
Malaysia is a multi-racial and multi-religious country. The King also asserted that unity is important in the country.
In his speech televised nationwide, Abdullah pledged to prioritise the welfare of the people.
“I will put the people first, respect the old and honour the young. I will express all this with great humility”.
“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.
He also stressed the importance of the Institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in Malaysia, which is a constitutional monarchy practicing parliamentary democracy.
The King reminded the people that the institution is not a mere symbol.
“It is the basis of unity, of bringing the people together and of sparking the spirit of patriotism. It is a spirit that, if inherited and cherished by every single citizen, can bring forth a sense of love and loyalty to the country,” he said.
Sultan Abdullah welcomed the government’s efforts in restructuring the country’s development plans and strengthening the country’s finances.
“I would like to congratulate my government for its foresightedness 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.