04/02/2025

TUESDAY | FEB 4, 2025

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Parliament not place for hostility, slander: King

Royal call to safeguard sovereignty and interests of nation KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim said the government must take firm action through diplomatic, legal and defence channels to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and interests. “Firm action through diplomatic, legal and defence channels must be taken to ensure the protection of the nation’s sovereign rights and interests, even if it concerns just a single coral in the middle of the ocean,”said His Majesty at the opening of the 15th Parliament yesterday. The King said the government must be wise in maintaining diplomatic relations with all parties and enhance strategic cooperation to address regional and border issues. Sultan Ibrahim also emphasised that Malaysia must remain firm in upholding the principles of peace, and opposing terrorism and oppression. “The war in Gaza must be ended immediately and legal justice must be upheld.” In line with Malaysia’s role as Asean chair this year, the King called for the country to demonstrate its capability in leading and determining the direction of the Southeast Asian region. His Majesty also called on all parties to support the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which would showcase the uniqueness of the nation’s cultures and values while creating economic opportunities and strengthening the country’s image globally. “Therefore, all parties must work together to make the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign a success, especially by ensuring that our country remains clean and safe. No tourist will want to visit if our country is dirty and has a high crime rate.” Sultan Ibrahim expressed appreciation for the loyalty and dedication shown by all members of the civil service, armed forces, police and government agencies. “Let us all pray that Malaysia continues to prosper and progress and that all of its people enjoy a perfect, peaceful and prosperous life,” he added. – Bernama Anwar, Thaksin hold talks on Myanmar KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a meeting with former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who chairs the Asean chairman’s informal advisory group. Anwar said various important matters, including the situation in Myanmar as well as the development of cryptocurrencies, were discussed at the meeting on Sunday. “(Subsequently), we continued the discussion with former Singapore foreign minister George Yeo,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. On Dec 16, Anwar announced the appointment of Thaksin as an informal adviser to assist Malaysia as Asean chair. Malaysia officially assumed the 2025 Asean chair on Jan 1, the fifth time since the establishment of Asean in 1967. – Bernama EPF contribution for foreign workers KUALA LUMPUR: The government has decided to implement a 2% EPF contribution rate for foreign workers, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the rate was lower than the initial proposal of 12%. “We are keeping it at 2%, which is very minimal,” he said during an Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia Chinese New Year reception yesterday. He added that the Cabinet had considered suggestions from chambers of commerce. – Bernama

division and expressed concern over this culture, which has caused confusion and hostility among the people. “Therefore, the government must be firm in addressing this culture and be proactive in providing accurate and reliable information.” The King also reminded the public to always be cautious and avoid falling victim to cybercrimes such as online financial fraud, scams and identity theft. Sultan Ibrahim said the government should immediately implement measures to strengthen digital infrastructure and economy, enhance cybersecurity and adopt the latest technologies. “The government service system should also be upgraded with more efficient and transparent digital technology. This is to combat corruption, abuse of power and the culture of red tape that complicates people’s affairs.” The parliamentary sitting will run for 18 days, with the main focus being the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address, Bernama reported. The debate will take place over a period of seven days, beginning on Feb 4. The winding-up sessions by the relevant ministries are scheduled from Feb 19 to 25. The Dewan Negara is scheduled to sit for 13 days, beginning on March 3.

o A‘ ugust house venue where people’s voices are heard, laws enacted, checks and balances done on administration’

KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has reminded all members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara that Parliament is not a place for hostility, insults or the spread of slander. His Majesty emphasised that Parliament is a distinguished institution dedicated to debating matters concerning the people’s interests and the country’s prosperity. Sultan Ibrahim said Parliament serves as the nation’s highest assembly, a meeting place where the voices of the people are heard, laws enacted and checks and balances carried out on the country’s administration. “Honourable members should be a bastion of national unity, not agents of division among the people. “Stop politicising every issue and prioritising only your party or group’s interests,” said the King in his royal address at the opening of the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament for the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara yesterday. The opening ceremony took place simultaneously for both the Dewan Rakyat

and Dewan Negara and was broadcast live through official media channels, local television and online platforms. Sultan Ibrahim also congratulated all members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara for demonstrating a respectful demeanour during the previous session. “I noticed a significant change in the behaviour of the members during the last session, with many displaying a more courteous attitude. Congratulations to all. “However, some members continue to struggle with shedding old habits. “I need not enumerate these negative traits as I trust each member is aware of them and understands how to manage his own conduct.” The King expressed gratitude to all political leaders for their efforts in maintaining political stability, which has contributed to the nation’s economic prosperity and social well-being. His Majesty urged the government to be firm in curbing the culture of slander and incitement on social media that could lead to

Efforts to boost foreign investments in tech, digital sectors lauded KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has commended government efforts to boost foreign investments in the high-tech and digital sectors. The King said digital infrastructure and economy must be strengthened, cybersecurity enhanced and the latest technologies adopted without delay. including stronger domestic growth, rising investments, a recovering ringgit and a low unemployment rate. “Last year, GDP grew by 5.9% across various sectors while total trade surpassed RM2 trillion in the first nine months,” His Majesty said. The King also urged the government to continue assisting smallholders, farmers, breeders and fishermen by taking proactive measures to strengthen the agriculture sector, commodities and the food supply chain. opportunity to own an affordable home, while basic infrastructure, healthcare and education facilities must continue to be improved.” The King added that government efforts to implement reforms in education, technical and vocational training as well as youth development would produce a more skilled future generation. Sultan Ibrahim also expressed support for efforts to strengthen family values and community well-being.

Sultan Ibrahim also urged the government to continue improving the country’s economic performance. Expressing satisfaction with Malaysia’s economic and trade growth, he emphasised that the benefits should be enjoyed by everyone and not just certain groups. “I am grateful to see economic progress,

“Malaysia will remain strong through the spirit of close cooperation between the federal and state governments. Every action and decision must be made in consensus for the future of the people and the nation.” – Bernama

Sultan Ibrahim said the agenda to empower the Bumiputera economy through cooperation and support from GLCs must continue to be implemented. “The government must also remain committed to providing every citizen with the

ALL SMILES ... The prime minister’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (centre) with (from left) Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, Finance Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh at the opening of the 15th Parliament session yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC