KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 – The royal address of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, in opening the first meeting of the first session of the 13th Parliament today has been well-received by the MPs.
Several of them described the king’s call for the resolution of various problems faced by the people as timely because it would ensure the continuity of the national transformation agenda.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said Tuanku Abdul Halim’s advice to all parties to accept the 13th General Election results and strengthen unity was the key to the future of nation-building.
“Therefore, the people must accept the election results and advance together for the sake of the transformation agenda,” he said when met after the opening ceremony.
The ceremony was also attended by the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Hajah Haminah.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Rohani Karim said she appreciated the king’s stand on the importance and well-being of the family institution and the increased involvement of women at the workplace.
“The ministry will collaborate with government-linked companies to place at least one woman in each company. If they are unable to find a potential candidate, we have a ready pool of 360 candidates to select from,” she said.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel was of the opinion that Tuanku Abdul Halim had voiced a strong message towards inter-racial understanding.
“We need to move past any conflicts and carry on the national transformation process towards achieving developed-nation status by 2020,” he said.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan said the king’s speech was progressive as it emphasised on global issues such as integrity, transformation and good governance to prevent corruption.
“I think his address is an inspiration to both the government and the opposition to play a more proactive role in transforming the country,” he said.
Tanjung Karang MP Datuk Seri Noh Omar said the address stressed on unity and reiterated the essence of the Dewan Rakyat members’ oath yesterday.
Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong felt that the people should follow the king’s advice, respect the election results and focus on development instead of bickering over petty issues.
Tan Sri Annuar Musa (BN-Ketereh) urged MPs to honour the mandate from the people as decisions taken in the Dewan Rakyat would affect everyone’s lives.
Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim (BN-Kuala Selangor) said it was important for all parties to set aside political sentiments for the sake of continued progress.
“All the people’s representatives should unite, discard their political
perspectives and place the people’s interest first. We must work together for the well-being of the people,” he said.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said every Dewan Rakyat member should take heed of the king’s advice to all parties to refrain from resorting to actions which could destroy the country.
“This reminder is timely and relevant. We don’t want the country to be ruined by extreme politics as seen elsewhere,” he said.
– BERNAMA
