KUALA LUMPUR – His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, has urged Parliament to uphold the original spirit of the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63), which brought together Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak as one nation.
Delivering his Royal Address at the Opening Ceremony of the Fifth Term of the 15th Parliament on 19 January, His Majesty reminded lawmakers that the foundation of Malaysia was built on unity, mutual respect and cooperation between the states and the federal government.
“Your Excellency should be more careful, so as not to incite until there is tension between regions. Any differences of opinion should be resolved maturely and not through hatred or suspicion,” His Majesty said.
The King emphasised that while the rights of individual states must be respected, the broader interests of Malaysia must always take precedence. His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about state-federal relations, particularly concerning Sabah and Sarawak’s demands for greater autonomy under MA63.
His Majesty also called on Members of Parliament to carry out their duties with integrity, wisdom and responsibility, stressing that their decisions directly affect the lives of the people. He reminded them that their roles are not merely political but carry long-term consequences for the nation’s future.
“This year marks the beginning of the 13th Malaysia Plan. I want this plan to focus on the well-being of the people, especially in the areas of education, housing, health and public transport,” he said.
The 13th Malaysia Plan is expected to guide national development priorities over the coming years, with emphasis on improving living standards and addressing socio-economic disparities. His Majesty’s call highlights the importance of ensuring that policies benefit all Malaysians, regardless of region.
“Every debate, decision and vote made in this council is not only a political stance of the party, but will determine our future,” His Majesty added, underscoring the weight of parliamentary deliberations.
The Royal Address sets a clear tone for the parliamentary session, reinforcing the need for unity and cooperation while reminding leaders of their responsibility to safeguard the nation’s founding principles.
