To the surprise of parliamentarians, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail left out the recent hike in fuel prices in his opening address for the new Parliament session today.

Despite covering all other areas, opposition parliamentarians expressed disappointment that the speech did not touch on the fuel price increase.

"We are grateful that almost all sectors of the economy expanded despite moderate growth in the world economy and rising international oil prices. Although, inflation increased slightly, it was contained while the economy continued to achieve full employment.

"Consumers must act wisely in combating the rising inflation rate so that it would not be a burden to them," His Highness told a packed Parliament House.

The King's speech text was presented to him by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi earlier.

The King also said the quality of life had further improved for the people with the availability of better services in areas of health care, education and basic infrastructure.

He also expressed confidence that hardcore poverty would be eradicated under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).

"We would like to commend our prime minister who will be tabling the much-anticipated 9MP in this session. This is the comprehensive plan for the first five years within the second 15-year phase of the nation's journey towards Vision 2020.

"We are confident that this plan would provide policies and strategies to further strengthen the economic fundamentals to ensure continued growth and improvement," he said.

The plan will be tabled in Parliament by Abdullah, who is also finance minister, on March 31.

The weaknesses

Meanwhile, the King also pointed out several weaknesses in the government including the delivery system, its global competitiveness as well as several other socio-economic problems.

He said although Malaysia was ranked among the most attractive locations for shared services and outsourcing, he was concerned with certain international reports on the declining trend in its global competitiveness.

"We must give serious attention to these indicators. Among the issues highlighted in these reports is the public service delivery system in the context of strengthening our country's competitiveness.

"Hence, all weaknesses and shortcomings in the system must be rectified immediately, thus ensuring that it fulfills the needs of the people at all times," he stressed.

His Highness also expressed regret over the persisting drug abuse problem despite various measures taken by the government.

He also called for local governments to be more sensitive towards the need for quality and fair development.

Apart from this, he said there were still areas without telecommunication coverage while other areas experienced poor coverage, this must be resolved immediately.

The King also wanted a more equitable participation and distribution of assets among the various ethnic groups while Bumiputera participation and ownership in major sectors must be enhanced.

The reactions

Commenting on the royal address, Kamarudin Jaffar (PAS-Tumpat) said it was one of the best royal addresses he has heard.

"However I was surprised that the King did not mention about the petrol (price) hike. We wished that His Highness could have addressed this issue as well and informed the rakyat how the government was going to counter it," he added when met.

Also expressing disappointment was Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam). She too had expected the King to touch on the issue, which has since sparked widespread public outcry and protests.

She said the King should have explained on why the government needed to increase the prices.

On the call for equal distribution of assets, she said: "We should look at this from the socio-economic class of an individual rather than ethnic groups per se."

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Minister Muhyiddin Yassin meanwhile said the King had laid down what should be done by the government over the next five years.

His cabinet colleague, Works Minister S Samy Vellu said the relationship between the rakyat and government agencies must be strengthened to enhance the public delivery system.

Members of parliament will begin debating the royal address for eight days starting tomorrow. Following this, two days have been allocated for ministerial replies.

The parliamentary sitting will end on May 4.