KUALA LUMPUR – His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, officiated the Opening Ceremony of the Fifth Term of the Fifteenth Parliamentary Council at the Malaysian Parliament today, 19 January.
The King’s arrival was greeted by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Ministers Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof, along with Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, and Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Speaker of the National Assembly.
Upon arrival, His Majesty received the Royal salute before inspecting the Main Guard of Honour mounted by the Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD). The ceremonial proceedings were accompanied by a 21-gun salute, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Following the inspection, His Majesty proceeded to the Dewan Rakyat chamber to deliver the Royal Address, formally marking the commencement of the First Session of the Fifth Term of the Fifteenth Parliament.
The Opening Ceremony symbolises the constitutional role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in Malaysia’s parliamentary democracy, reaffirming the monarch’s position as a unifying figure for the nation. The Royal Decree traditionally sets the tone for parliamentary debates, outlining key priorities and expectations for lawmakers in the months ahead.
This year’s session is expected to focus on governance reforms, national development under the 13th Malaysia Plan, and pressing issues such as economic resilience, education, healthcare, and national security. His Majesty’s presence at the ceremony reflects the importance of parliamentary proceedings in shaping Malaysia’s future direction.
The event also highlighted Malaysia’s ceremonial traditions, blending constitutional duties with military honours and royal protocol. The participation of top government leaders and parliamentary figures reinforced the collaborative spirit between the monarchy, executive, and legislature.
With the Royal Address delivered, Parliament now begins its legislative work for the Fifth Term, setting the stage for debates and decisions that will influence the country’s trajectory in the coming years.
