KUALA LUMPUR (March 7): Attempts to incite racial sentiment and abuse of social media by spreading seditious and slanderous remarks as well as extremist ideologies should be contained immediately, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong said today at the opening of the fourth session of the 13th Parliament.

Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah said the inability to act promptly on these issues could lead to bigger conflicts and discord, urging the authorities to act urgently.

He also urged lawmakers to stop narrow politicking, saying that it had gone on for too long to the point where the people and government were tired of it.

“In a parliamentary democracy, differences in opinion are valued but refrain from fostering enmity and slander that can lead to the downfall of the nation.”

Tuanku Halim also congratulated the prime minister on the nation’s achievements in 2015, commending the successful chairmanship of the Asean summit which led to the establishment of the Asean community.

“The summit has elevated the country’s international standing to greater prominence, especially with the participation of major world leaders.”

Tuanku Halim also noted that Malaysia was elected to the Unesco executive board for 2015 to 2019, and International Maritime Organisation Council for the sixth consecutive year.

He added that Malaysia also ranked 18th in the 2015-2016 Global Competitiveness Report, reflecting continuous improvement in its competitiveness.

“These achievements are testament to the confidence of the international community in Malaysia.”

He also called for the strengthening of integrity and good governance to ensure the success of national plans and policies.

“This will be able to address any negative perception with regard to corruption, malpractices and misuse of power.

“In addition, all parties should adopt noble values and a culture of integrity.”

The King also hoped that efforts to strengthen religious institutions and enhance the administration of Islamic laws by empowering the shariah courts would be implemented soon.

He said the state also supported initiatives to uphold Islam as the religion of the federation while other religions could be practised freely and peacefully.

“We hope all efforts taken will soon be implemented to strengthen religious  institutions and enhance the administration of Islamic laws by empowering the shariah courts.

“Religious issues should be referred to the relevant authorities, and not subjected to interpretation by any individuals or groups as this could cause unnecessary confusion and friction within the society,” he said.

He also welcomed the proposal to implement parliamentary reform, as put forward by the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, adding that he hoped all lawmakers will support the proposal to make Parliament more effective in discharging its functions.