The King, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, marked the opening of the second session of the 12th Parliament by hitting out at bloggers whom he said were sowing "confusion" among the population.

"We are sad that despite 50 years of independence, racial issues are still being raised and debated," he said in his address to Parliament.

parliament 160209 tuanku mirzan "The various races and cultures must be united and become a strength of our nation. The rights of each citizen (are) enshrined in the constitution which must be defended and respected".

He criticised bloggers, who have unleashed an unprecedented discussion on race, religion and politics in a country where the media are strictly controlled by the government.

"We also view seriously the issue of groups that are easily led and believe lies and false news that are spread by certain groups including blog sites that have caused confusion among the public," he said.

"The constitution places Islam as the religion of the country along with the freedom to practise other religions. We want to remind all groups to respect this situation and not question it," the King said.

His comments come amid complaints of growing 'Islamisation' by minority groups who say their rights are being eroded.

Their disenchantment was a major factor in general election last year which saw the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition suffer its worst ever results, losing a third of parliamentary seats as minorities shifted to the opposition.

A 21-gun royal salute

According to Bernama , the King and Queen, Tuanku Nur Zahirah, were greeted on arrival at the Parliament grounds by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife, Jeanne Abdullah.

parliament 160209 abdullah badawi Tuanku Mizan then received the Royal Salute and the national anthem was played by the Royal Malay Regiment central band from the Sungai Besi camp.

The Royal Flag was hoisted and a 21-gun salute was fired.

The King then inspected a guard-of-honour mounted by four officers and 103 men of the First Battalion Royal Malay Regiment headed by Major Norhisham Kamar.

After inspecting the guard-of-honour, the King returned to the royal stage and received the Royal Salute for the second time and the Negaraku was played again.

Their Majesties were then accompanied by Abdullah and his wife intoParliament House.

At 10.40am, the ceremonial bell was rung and the King entered the Dewan Rakyat accompanied by speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia.

Abdullah then presented the text of the royal address to the King for the opening of the first meeting of the second session of the 12th Parliament.

The House will sit until March 19.