MALAYSIANS expect a government that will not only spur development, but one that is clean, transparent and will uphold the law to take the country forward, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong said at the opening of this year’s first parliamentary session today.

“As we chase development, values, such as integrity, has to be maintained as I want the scourge of corruption to be wiped out.

“As such, I welcome the government’s National Anti-Corruption Plan and efforts to amend laws that will improve governance and the country’s position in the corruption perception index,” said Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

The king had earlier said that the people “want a government that will listen to their views and aspirations”.

“As such, the government should listen to them when it formulates new policies and programmes,” he said.

Sultan Abdullah of Pahang was delivering his first speech in Parliament after his installation as the 16th Agong on January 31.

He also urged the government to assist farmers and planters affected by the drop in global commodity prices, and urged smallholders to diversify their crops.

“More efforts are needed to research, market and promote the use of biodiesel, explore new markets and cooperate with other commodity-producing countries to stabilise prices.”

Sultan Abdullah said all parties needed to work together to improve the quality of education.

“Education is an important agent of change to reduce income inequality in the country. As such, everyone should try to strengthen the education system to produce graduates in line with the Industry Forward policy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” said the 60-year-old monarch.

Sultan Abdullah also urged the government to create more programmes to nurture entrepreneurs and innovators.

“In this regard, small and medium enterprises need to improve their productivity by employing the latest technology and automation tech so that Malaysia can compete on a global level.”

This parliamentary session, which will end on April 22, will begin with a debate on the royal address tomorrow. – March 11, 2019.