This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on March 6, 2018

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will continue to address issues affecting the people, such as the cost of living, as well as implement community-based programmes to ensure their well-being, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, said yesterday.

His Majesty said the government’s emphasis on these matters was evident from the establishment of the National Cost-of-Living Action Council recently.

The King said despite uncertainties in the global economy, the government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, remains focused and committed to the implementation of the fiscal transformation policies and prudent management of the country’s economy.

He was speaking on the first day of Dewan Rakyat’s meeting, the first time in history that Parliament has 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.  

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

Sultan Muhammad V 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.

“Skills training and entrepreneurship programmes that have succeeded in increasing the income of the target groups, will be further intensified,” he said.

The King also expressed concern over 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 of borders and waters, as well as combating human trafficking,” he said, adding no one should politicise or trivialise the issue of national security.