Agong calls for ‘consultative democracy’, bipartisan cooperation

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah today urged the government and the opposition to practise “consultative democracy” in resolving problems, saying the people are looking for maturity through the bipartisan cooperation of all parties.

“I welcome the government’s openness in providing an opportunity for various parties including MPs to be involved in the country’s administration,” he said in his speech at the opening of the first meeting of the fourth term of the 14th Parliament.

“I also welcome and greatly appreciate the efforts towards bringing about a new approach of bipartisan cooperation between all parties that will shape a new political landscape and bring about changes in the country’s administrative system.”

He then quoted a Malay proverb, saying: “Biduk lalu, kiambang bertaut (When the boat passes, the seaweed comes together again)”, adding that “Those who win do not win everything, and those who lose do not lose everything.”

“Only through unity, solidarity and cooperation together as a Malaysian Family can we face the various challenges and trials that will come,” he said, using the term introduced by Ismail Sabri Yaakob in his inaugural speech as prime minister.

The Agong also said that the country is on the right track in tackling the Covid-19 situation, through the formation of the National Recovery Council, National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme and financial assistance packages offered to the people.

“I greatly appreciate all ongoing efforts by the government in carrying out the various strategies to handle the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on the economy, society and the well-being of the people,” he said.

“The percentage of recoveries in our country is high, and the majority of new cases are in Category One and Two.”

He also praised the country’s vaccination rate which he said was among one of the fastest in the world.

However, he cautioned against becoming complacent, saying efforts should be continued to flatten the curve of infection especially in light of the new variants.

“The government should continue its efforts to lower the number of daily cases and to achieve herd immunity soon.”

Sultan Abdullah also called for “whole of society” efforts to be intensified with an effective communication narrative.

“I welcome the government’s efforts to strengthen the national ‘Malaysia Sihat’ agenda in teaching the Malaysian Family how to live alongside this virus.

“Through this approach, the people will become confident to accept and adapt to the Covid-19 situation in its endemic phase.”

He likewise warned MPs against gambling the future of the country and the people in order to further certain agendas.

“I urge MPs to return their focus to efforts to battle the Covid-19 pandemic and restore the glory of the people and the country,” he said.