On point: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim reminded the Members of Parliament that as lawmakers, they were expected to comply with the rules they made. — Bernama
IF His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, had his way, his maiden speech when opening the new Parliament session last week would have been much shorter. With the rigmarole of formalities and salutations, and background information with statistics, it dragged on a little longer than scripted.
But it was certainly a drastic departure from the approach of previous Kings, who preferred longer speeches, albeit mundane ones.
However, the country’s new King is a man who likes to keep his address precise, brisk and on point.
The Johor Ruler is reputed to be a man who doesn’t mince his words. By his standards, his recent speech was tame.
After all, as he said to the lawmakers, it was his first speech in Parliament, so it was more cordial compared to the one in Johor.
“I asked for your understanding so that no one is offended, but be careful in the future,” he warned.
He reminded the Members of Parliament that as lawmakers, they were expected to comply with the rules they made.
“Therefore, I hope all MPs will set a good example. When in this noble house, will maintain decorum and discipline and use polite language, and not abuse others.
“If you look at the behaviour of Members of Parliament before, I feel ashamed to enter this House.”
Indeed, His Majesty has been gentle in his speech because in an interview in December, he was quoted as saying “when I hit in my speech, I hit. If not, the MPs behave like monkeys.”
“There’re 222 of you in Parliament. There are over 30 million outside. I’m not with you. I’m with them (the rakyat),” he said, adding that he intended to make his presence felt in Kuala Lumpur, both for the government and others.
In case any of the MPs missed the article in Singapore’s Straits Times, he repeated it in his speech in Parliament with a twist, by saying “in my eyes, the success or failure of this country does not rest solely on the Prime Minister, but all 222 MPs who have been entrusted by the people as their representatives in the government.”
“All parties should be aware that my priority is the lives of more than 33 million Malaysian citizens out there. Therefore, I hope all honourable members will focus on efforts to defend their lives, not for the sake of political parties or themselves.”
There was one more reminder – political parties shouldn’t waste time plotting to topple the unity government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim because our new King won’t entertain requests that threaten the political stability of the country.
Essentially, no political leader should be trying to collect statutory declarations to overthrow the PM – like in the alleged plot in Dubai – or seek an audience with His Majesty.
“All parties must accept reality and respect the unity government that has been formed. If anyone wants to play politics, wait for the next general election.”
It’s obviously the clearest and sharpest speech by any King when opening a Parliament session. It was definitely refreshing and invigorating, which is why his listeners remained attentive.
To politicians unclear of the concept about what His Majesty meant, it’s best not to take his words lightly, or worse, challenge him by crossing the line.
As he has said, no more Mr Nice Guy the next time around. He’s a very well-informed man, that’s for sure.
Politicians and others who continue to play on sensitive issues involving the Rulers, race, and religion, were duly warned to refrain from fanning the flames of controversy because this despicable behaviour clearly hasn’t stopped.
If these politicians continue with such narratives under the guise of safeguarding the interest of their community, it will only encourage their supporters to do likewise.
They have continued to whine that the positions and rights of the Malays and Islam have eroded or been questioned. And more recently, certain figures have even dared challenge the Rulers.
Inaction against such politicians will only spur them to exploit these sensitive areas to win votes. If what is being bandied on social media is a gauge, then these toxic rants seem to have only increased.
Last week, the Sultan of Selangor singled out Marang MP Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang over an open letter urging the Rulers, among others, to defend Islam in the country, labelling this an affront to Malaysia’s royal institution.
In a statement released via the Selangor Royal Office, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah was extremely disappointed with Hadi’s statement.
He warned Hadi, who is PAS president, to be more careful with future remarks on the topic.
“Hadi’s cynical remarks indirectly connecting the Sultan’s decree to the attitude of Rulers who must be concerned with the afterlife and not to pursue worldly interests alone, was the most inappropriate and ill-mannered, given the Malay culture to always be respectful and polite when expressing views and advice to the Malay Rulers,” he said.
In 2023, Hadi declared he would continue to deliver sermons in mosques or suraus despite the Sultan of Terengganu’s ban on politicians delivering political speeches in these places of worship.
The Terengganu Islamic and Malay Customs Council (Maidani) had issued an order prohibiting religious lectures, talks and political activities by politicians in all mosques and suraus statewide.
Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor is already facing accusations of sedition with his case now being heard at the High Court in Shah Alam.
He faces two counts of sedition under the Sedition Act 1948, over a political speech last July. He is accused of uttering a seditious statement that could incite disloyalty against the Rulers.
Whether it’s corruption or sedition, it’s safe to assume that if the King has his way, he’ll make the Attorney-General’s office a hive of activity this year.
