This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on March 12, 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: All parties must commit to racial unity and not let it remain a mere slogan, said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

In his Royal Address at the opening of Parliament yesterday, the King underlined efforts taken to strengthen unity among the multiracial population locally.

Al-Sultan Abdullah appealed for the supremacy of the constitution to be upheld, especially pertaining to parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. “Firm action should be taken against activities and elements that could affect national unity and harmony,” he said.

Al-Sultan Abdullah also reiterated Islam as the religion of the federation, while other religions could be practised in peace and harmony, as well as Bahasa Melayu as the national language.

“We strongly support the government’s efforts to promote the principles of rahmatan lil ‘alamin (a mercy to the universe) and Maqasid Syariah based on the true teachings of Islam.”

With this, His Majesty hopes the efforts will be translated into praiseworthy actions and behaviour of Malaysians. “While strengthening the teachings of Islam in this country, other religions should also be respected”.

On the rising cost of living, Sultan Abdullah advised the people to have faith in the government’s efforts in addressing the issue and to be patient.

The King said the government realises that the rising cost of living is one of the challenges facing the people, and hence various initiatives have been introduced.

They include establishing the National Action Council on the Cost of Living; increasing the minimum wage; providing cost of living allowances, targeted subsidies and the Food Bank programme; as well as improving the government’s delivery system.

The King also pledged that the government will continue improving the well-being of the rural population, the indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak, and the Orang Asli through a comprehensive approach.

He said the comprehensive approach will include economic, human capital and infrastructure developments. “There will be a greater focus on a more balanced and inclusive regional development to reduce the gap among the states and between the urban and rural areas.”

This comes as the proposal to restore Sabah and Sarawak’s original status and rights, as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963, is expected to be the focus of this Parliament session.