MEMBERS of Parliament hailed as all-encompassing the address by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin opening the first meeting of the fourth session of the 12th Parliament yesterday.
FRIENDLY CHAT: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein (left) and Pulau Pinang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng before the opening ceremony of the Dewan Rakyat. — Bernama photo
They said the king had touched on all aspects which required greater attention from politicians, administrators and the people to consolidate peace and harmony and drive the multiracial nation towards greater progress.
Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim told reporters at the parliament lobby that Tuanku Mizan had called for emphasis on multimedia communication whereby both the urban and rural areas would not be isolated from this technological advancement.
He said the king had also called on all MPs to maintain harmony, engage in discussions, and discard slander and defamation.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom touched on the call by Tuanku Mizan for all quarters to refrain from raising controversial and religious issues which could undermine the peace in the country nurtured and enjoyed by the various races.
“This is a reminder by the king which should be given the greatest attention as peace is a major asset as the country progresses towards realising Vision 2020 and to become a high-income nation,” he said.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek thanked Tuanku Mizan for praising the outstanding performance of the nation’s athletes last year in the face of numerous shortcomings, including budget constraints.
Health Minister and MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai advised the people to heed the king’s call to exercise responsibility for their speeches and actions and to uphold peace and harmony in the country.
“Tuanku Mizan gave an important speech to the nation, with emphasis on nation-building.
“We have to be more committed as a nation, for the future of the nation.
“We must give full support for the nation’s transformation programme so that the country can spur ahead,” he said.
Penang Chief Minister and DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng said Article 153 of the Federal Constitution emphasised by Tuanku Mizan accorded a special position to the Malays and safeguarded the legitimate rights of the other races.
“We have to look at it in the context of all the races in Malaysia. Everyone is a Malaysian citizen and should be accorded appropriate treatment,” he said.
Kubang Kerian MP and PAS vice-president Salahuddin Ayub said the debate in the coming days would focus on the king’s speech pertaining to the country’s economic performance, security issues and the fight against corruption.
Pokok Sena MP and PAS vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar said Tuanku Mizan’s speech was most relevant in the present context, particularly on the aspect of slander and defamation which he (Mahfuz) felt was widespread in politics.
“It is dangerous when slander and defamation are made the basis of strength by any quarter to achieve political power.
“We have to place democracy on the right track…a democratic nation founded on intellectual discourse and not a culture of slander and defamation,” he said. — Bernama