King: Always put unity first
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has reminded leaders not to politicise sensitive issues that could fuel discord within the society and threaten the nation's stability.
His Majesty stated that the existence of more political parties or factions within parties could lead to widening rifts among the people, resulting in escalating enmity among them.
'Use your wisdom before making any decisions. There is no greater gift to me than a united rakyat.
'I have mentioned before that there is a 'virus' that will strike our nation.
'Now, this virus has begun to spread and cannot be cured. I often speak of this so that we do not easily forget,' His Majesty said.
Sultan Ibrahim was speaking during the royal address at the investiture ceremony for 2025 in conjunction with His Majesty's official birthday celebration at Istana Negara, reported Bernama.
Special occasion: Sultan Ibrahim, Raja Zarith Sofiah, Anwar and Dr Wan Azizah attending the investiture ceremony at Istana Negara in conjunction with His Majesty's official birthday. — Photo from Anwar's Facebook page
Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, was also in attendance.
Present at the ceremony were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Cabinet Ministers.
His Majesty also called on all Malaysians to keep fostering unity as a gift to him.
The King went on to express his appreciation for the Madani government and its civil servants, who have worked hard to manage the country's economy and development.
Sultan Ibrahim said the success of last month's Asean Summit was proof of the nation's leadership's ability to strengthen regional and international cooperation.
'Although there are those who underestimate Malaysia's capabilities, with hard work and a spirit of cooperation, especially by civil servants, all challenges and obstacles have been successfully overcome,' said His Majesty.
Sultan Ibrahim also reminded civil servants to provide excellent service and practise the second principle of the Rukun Negara, which is 'Loyalty to King and Country'.
'Loyalty does not mean worship, but honesty and trust in carrying out the duties and responsibilities given, and not betraying the country and the people's trust,' said His Majesty.
The King stressed that civil servants must be free from the influence of political parties, be neutral, and always prioritise the interests of the country and the people.
'Government officials must ensure that every decision made is in accordance with the conditions and regulations set, not according to the dictates of politicians.
'Every expenditure must also be closely controlled and cannot be used as desired by ministers or MPs to fish for votes, to the point of causing the government's debt to increase,' said the King.
Sultan Ibrahim also called on all enforcement agencies to carry out their duties with full integrity so that the people do not lose trust and continue to respect the uniform they wear.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
25 minutes ago
- Barnama
Malaysia's Public Transport Usage Just At 20 Pct, Says Loke
PETALING JAYA, June 4 (Bernama) -- The percentage of public transport usage in Malaysia has only reached 20 per cent to date, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He said the figure remains below the 40 per cent target outlined in the National Transport Policy 2019–2030. 'The national transport policy from 2019 to 2030 is already in place. So, our challenge is how to ensure that this policy is realised according to its intended goals,' he said when met after the Ilmuwan Malaysia Madani Siri 6 forum at Menara Prasarana here today. The forum discussed the topic 'Transportation for the People: Balancing Affordability, Quality and Sustainability of Public Transport', chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In addition to Loke, other panel members were President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, and Universiti Putra Malaysia Vice-Chancellor, Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah. Commenting further, Loke said the implementation of the 'Road to Rail' initiative is currently being carried out in phases and is expected to have a significant impact on the country's logistics sector. 'We are actively promoting the use of rail. That's why one of our focus initiatives is 'Road to Rail' , to encourage more usage of railways for the transportation of containers and goods,' he said. 'When the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is completed, it will boost the use of rail to transport goods and containers to the East Coast, thereby reducing reliance on road transport such as lorries,' he added. -- BERNAMA
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
PM Anwar Proposes Strategic Housing Development Near Public Transport
GENERAL PETALING JAYA, June 4 (Bernama) – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has proposed that new people's housing projects be developed on or near public transport stations, as a move to encourage more comprehensive use of the public transport system. Anwar said that such a housing development concept would not only provide more strategic residences for low-income groups but also pave the way for a more sustainable and organised urban lifestyle. 'There are proposals to develop housing directly on top of public transport stations, but this requires certain amendments (to laws) and is currently being worked on. 'An example is the Kota MADANI project, where I emphasised comprehensive and centralised basic amenities for the welfare of the people, including vertical development,' he said. The Prime Minister was speaking at the Malaysia MADANI Scholars' Forum (FIM) Series 6 at Menara Prasarana here, tonight. The forum, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), discussed the topic 'Transport for the People: Balancing Affordability, Quality, and Sustainability of Public Transport'. Also participating as panellists were Transport Minister Anthony Loke; Prasarana Malaysia Berhad President and Group Chief Executive Officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah; and Universiti Putra Malaysia Vice-Chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah. Meanwhile, Anwar said that open discourse platforms like the forum were crucial to ensure government policies were formulated by considering the voices of various parties, including academicians, industry experts, government supporters, and even the opposition. Anwar said the organisation of such forums proved that the government did not shut down criticism, but instead encouraged differing views, provided they were delivered professionally and constructively.
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar shares royal compliment on Malaysia's medical expertise
PETALING JAYA: Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah praised the quality and expertise of doctors at the National Heart Institute (IJN) after receiving treatment there. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim conveyed this during the Higher Education Ministry's Ilmuan Malaysia Madani forum titled "Transport for the People: Balancing Affordability, Quality and Sustainability of Public Transport." "His Majesty told me that, as someone with exposure to and experience with some of the world's best medical centres, he was very satisfied with the quality of service, excellence, and expertise of our doctors at IJN," he said. Anwar added that while the government welcomes criticism, Malaysians should also recognise national achievements, especially in healthcare. "So while we allow criticism, which is not a problem, we must also recognise the strengths we have, and there must be the drive to push ourselves to do better," he said. The Sultan of Brunei was in Kuala Lumpur for the 46th Asean Summit with other regional leaders. On May 27, he was reportedly feeling fatigued and was advised by health experts to rest at IJN. Anwar also spoke about his conversation with President of Guinea-Bissau General Umaro Sissoco Embaló, during which he asked why Malaysia was chosen despite limited bilateral trade. "His answer was that he follows developments here and sees Malaysia as a country on the rise, with significant potential. That's why he chose to come," he said. Embaló arrived today for a three-day visit—his first since taking office as president in February 2020. Malaysia and Guinea-Bissau established diplomatic relations in November 1974. In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with Guinea-Bissau reached RM4.1 million, with Malaysian exports amounting to RM4.04 million and imports standing at RM0.06 million.
