KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today opened the 14th Parliament with a standing ovation for the country's frontliners for their dedication and sacrifices in the battle against Covid-19.
"This sitting is more meaningful as it is conducted during the holy month of Ramadan. The ceremony this morning is different.
"At this time, our country is still focusing its efforts to fight the spread of Covid-19 which first infected Malaysians in early February.
"However, we have faced the pandemic as Bangsa Malaysia that is strong, resilient and disciplined," he said in his royal address.
Sultan Abdullah lauded the frontliners, especially those in the health services, the armed forces, police, Fire and Rescue Department, Immigration, National Disaster Management Agency, Civil Defence Force, People's Volunteer Corps (Rela), and other agencies involved, for their dedication in answering the call of duty.
"They are making sacrifices without any regard to tiredness or fear of putting their own lives at risk to look after the safety and interests of the public. So, to show our appreciation, please join me in standing up and giving them a thunderous applause," he said, as he stood up, followed by all members of parliament.