Kuala lumpur: His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has emphasized that the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), commencing this year, should prioritize the well-being of the populace, particularly in areas such as education, housing, health, and public transport. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament for Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, Sultan Ibrahim underscored the necessity of strengthening the country's education system as a fundamental pillar for nation-building, identity formation, and the future of Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Ibrahim articulated that any new education system must align with the National Education Policy, with Bahasa Melayu as the primary language, given its status as the National Language. His Majesty asserted that proposals to recognize alternative education systems must respect Bahasa Melayu and Malaysia's historical context, emphasizing the importance of embracing the national language.
The Dewan Rakyat session is set to span 20 days, focusing primarily on debates regarding the Motion of Thanks for the Royal Address, scheduled to commence tomorrow and continue until January 29, followed by a four-day winding-up session by relevant ministries starting February 4.
In his address, the King also highlighted the foundational role of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) that united Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak, stressing the need to return to the original vision of unity, respect, and close cooperation between the states and the federal government. His Majesty urged Parliament members to handle differences of opinion maturely and avoid inciting regional tensions, while emphasizing that state rights must be respected but not at the expense of national interests.
Sultan Ibrahim further addressed the necessity of formulating laws concerning national security and foreign threats, citing the challenges posed by modern threats such as digital security breaches, misinformation, and "deep-fake" technology. He stressed the importance of effectively tackling serious crime, terrorism, and "3R" issues.
Additionally, His Majesty expressed support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the legal framework pertaining to elections, democratic institutions, and political funding. This includes proposals to limit the prime minister's term to two terms or ten years, separate the roles of the attorney general and public prosecutor, introduce a freedom of information act, and establish an ombudsman.
Concluding his address, Sultan Ibrahim reminded the members of the House to conduct debates, decisions, and votes with integrity, as these actions will shape the nation's future. He called upon all parties to ensure Malaysia's continued progress and prosperity, and the well-being and happiness of its people.