YANG di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today expressed his appreciation at the political stability achieved by the government and the opposition through the bipartisan cooperation forged with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last September.

He said the stability would further bring betterment for the people and also the country.

“I am very grateful for the political stability that has been achieved now through bipartisan cooperation through the MOU on Transformation and Political Stability that has been signed between the government and the opposition.

“Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), the country’s political landscape is now more stable to succeed in the developments that will benefit our citizens and also the future of the country,” he said in his speech at the opening of the first meeting of the fifth session of the 14th Parliament.

He said that political maturity and stability could be seen when the bill to amend the Federal Constitution relevant to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was unanimously passed with more than two-third majority at both Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara last year. 

“Indeed, it was a historic moment for all Malaysians,” he said, adding that it was the kind of political maturity he and the people desire. 

“Going forward, I call on all Honorable Members of Parliaments to continue to maintain the understanding that has been built and preserve the political stability that has been achieved,” he added. 

At the end of his address, the King read a pantun, where he advised politicians of both ends to stop politicking “day and night” and instead focus on issues that are important to the public. 

The king welcomed the gazettement of Undi18, saying it has opened a new dimension to the youth in determining the future and leadership of the country.

 He took note of the country’s economic performance last year, which showed a recovery momentum with the growth of 3.1% as compared to a decline of 5.6% in 2020.

The king predicts better growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this year.

“The recovery in economic growth shows the effectiveness of eight series of economic assistance and stimulus packages in 2020 and 2021 totaling RM530 billion in addition to the annual budget allocation provided. 

“For 2022, the country’s GDP is projected to continue to grow strongly between 5.5% to 6.5%,” he said. – February 28, 2022.