Don’t sack employees because of Covid-19, urges king


Chan Kok Leong

Parliament is only sitting for a day because of the Covid-19 pandemic. There was only the royal address today. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Seth Akmal, May 18, 2020.

EMPLOYERS should not use Covid-19 as an excuse to sack their employees, said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as he called on all Malaysians to sacrifice for the sake of the country.

“I understand that many industries and businesses are affected because of the virus outbreak. However, I urge employers not to lay off their workers arbitrarily.

“All parties must be prepared to make sacrifices to lighten the people’s burden and to save the economy,” said Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah during the royal address today.

“I also urge the government to focus on helping companies and businesses, such as the tourism and small and medium enterprises, who have been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The king said he hoped all parties would support the initiatives introduced by the Economic Action Council, which includes a RM260 billion stimulus package.

“This is an extraordinary package and needs to be supported by everyone.”

He also expressed concerns over the polarisation of race and political issues.

“The government should not tolerate any form of provocation that is against the law and customs done by certain parties.

“As such, I welcome with the national unity action plan to ensure national integration can be improved.”

In the 20-minute address, Sultan Abdullah also urged the government to secure the country’s maritime borders.

“The increased activity between two major powers – the United States and China – in South China Sea should be given appropriate attention.

“We must strategise to ensure geopolitical balance.”

The address is to open the third session of the 14th Parliament today. – May 18, 2020.


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Comments


  • Open and close sitting within one hour. Its a world record.

    Posted 6 years ago by Alex Lim · Reply

  • Agong s suggestion to support 260 billion package is laudable but in a democracy 260 billion issue need to be debated in parliment And all views to be taken .

    Posted 6 years ago by Shahul Hameed Abdul Wahab · Reply

  • Is todays parliment sitting contitutional?

    Posted 6 years ago by Shahul Hameed Abdul Wahab · Reply