Agong worries about disunity, debt legacy for future generations

PARLIAMENT | Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar this morning expressed worries about the lack of unity among races after 60 years as a country, as well as the government’s growing debt.

In his inaugural parliamentary address today, the king said he noticed that some quarters from today’s generation still fail to speak Bahasa Malaysia and appreciate the diverse cultures of other races.

“Therefore, I call on the government to formulate a policy aimed at ensuring unity that is stronger and more harmonious among the people.

“There is a Malay proverb that goes, melentur buluh biarlah dari rebungnya, which means that early influences have a lasting impact.

“If we want a future generation that is united and one that understands each other, it must be shaped from young,” he said.

The Johor ruler also urged all levels of society to strengthen national unity and not to incite emotions by harping on 3R (race, religion, and royalty) issues.

He reminded the people that the Federal Constitution recognises Islam as the religion of the federation while other religions can be practised in peace and harmony.

“But they should not be used to proselytise Muslims. Therefore, there should not be attempts by any party to manipulate and politicise this foundation of the Constitution,” he warned.

Large debt

Meanwhile, His Majesty expressed disappointment upon learning that the government today is bearing an increasingly large debt burden due to the fiscal deficits incurred since 1998.

“Is this the kind of financial burden that we wish our future generations to inherit?

“The answer is with all the MPs present here today.”

Sultan Ibrahim then pointed out that such a weak financial position makes it difficult for the government to implement new development projects or provide financial incentives to stimulate economic growth.

Therefore, he supported the government’s initiatives in undertaking drastic savings measures and in implementing targeted subsidies.

“New policies are constantly needed to complement those already in place to achieve a more comprehensive national approach. Among the new policies introduced is the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023, which is a fiscal reform initiative for improving governance, accountability and transparency in public financial management.

“I will monitor closely the government's spending towards ensuring that all expenditure proposals will be channelled to meet real needs.

“I hope that during my reign, the government will succeed in achieving a fiscal surplus every year,” he said.

No red tape business

Meanwhile, Sultan Ibrahim urged for the government machinery to improve its efficiency and the integrity of work ethics to achieve successful economic development.

“I dislike systems which involve excessive red tape,” he stressed.

“Therefore, the efficiency of work processes and governance must be constantly evaluated and improved.”

In a related development, he also asserted that the government must be stern in curbing leakage and embezzlement of public funds.

He stressed that the weakness in governance at all levels needs to be examined, including in statutory bodies, government-owned companies, and their subsidiaries.

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