KUALA LUMPUR (March 5): Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V commended the incumbent government’s effort in tackling various economy issues within the nation. 

In his Royal Address after the opening ceremony of the sixth term of 13th parliament sitting today, His Majesty said despite uncertainties in the global economy, the government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, remains focused and committed to the implementation of the fiscal transformation policies and prudent management of the country’s economy. 

Today is the first day for Dewan Rakyat’s meeting, its first time in history that entered into the sixth term, and will be the last before the 14th General Election. 

“The government’s financial position is expected to be stronger, contributed by higher revenue, moderate growth in expenditure and gradual reduction in fiscal deficit. International reserves remain strong, while the federal government’s debt is under control and manageable,” he said.  

“Malaysia’s external trade is expected to be resilient in tandem with increasing global trading activities. Malaysia remains as one of the preferred investment destinations and is expected to attract higher investments in 2018. We hope that this positive momentum will be sustained,” he added. 

Moving forward, His Majesty said Malaysia must intensify its efforts to chart a better future, as maintaining success is more difficult than achieving it. 

“We commend the continuous measures taken in addressing issues that are close to the hearts and minds of the people, especially those pertaining to the cost of living. We believe that more programmes will be introduced with the establishment of the National Action Council on Cost of Living to ease the burden of the people,” he said, adding the government will continue to provide allocation for more people-centric projects and programmes to ensure the well being of the people. 

Furthermore, he said targeted subsidies and assistance for the needy will be continued.

His Majesty also said the government will continue the implementation of the transformation programme to elevate the quality of life for the people in the rural areas. 

He said these include Sabah, Sarawak, Federal Land Development Authority settlers, small-holders under Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority, Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority participants, traditional villagers, the Orang Asli as well as Bumiputera minorities in Sabah and Sarawak.  

“Skills training and entrepreneurship programmes that have succeeded in increasing the income of the target groups, will be further intensified,” he said.
 
“We are pleased with the Government’s efforts to improve the well being of the urban community by enhancing the interconnectivity of the increasingly popular public transport system. We are also confident that the public transport infrastructure projects, which are now in various stages of implementation, will bring economic spillover for the people,” he added.  

His Majesty said he is pleased numerous programmes will be implemented to empower women in various sectors, thus ensuring 30% of them are in decision-making capacities. 

“This target has already been achieved in the public sector and in companies listed on Bursa Malaysia,” he said. 

Additionally, he said the government will continue its efforts to make the Government’s delivery system more effective to position Malaysia among the world’s top 20 countries. 

“We welcome the Federal Government’s decision on the devolution of authority to the ministries and government agencies in Sabah and Sarawak regarding certain matters, to enable swift decisions on projects and programmes for the people. To further improve the delivery system, integrity and good governance will be strengthened to prevent leakage, misappropriation and abuse of power,” he said.  

His Majesty also urged that measures should be taken to ensure that agriculture and commodity exports conform to international standards and also venture into the international market. 

“Our Government will continue to modernise the agriculture sector including commodities and the coconut industry while exploring new sources of wealth such as durian, herbs, dairy products and bird’s nest,” he said.

Meanwhile, he expressed concern on the threats to peace and security of the country, which he described as real and manifested in various forms.

“We urge the government to continue to be vigilant, especially in enforcing cyberspace security, enhancing intelligence capabilities, increasing patrolling borders and waters, as well as combating human trafficking,” he said, adding no one should politicise or trivialise the issue of national security. 

His Majesty also pointed out that social media currently has significant influence in shaping the values and culture of the society. Therefore all parties should play their role in safeguarding good character and moral values within the society. 

“Hence, we fully support the proposal to formulate laws to address the spread of fake news and slander in social media,” he said.