KUALA LUMPUR: As the Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted all Malaysians, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has called on all leaders and the government to understand the people's predicament.
While expressing concern over the fate of his subjects, Al-Sultan Abdullah stressed the need to resolve key issues such as the people's welfare, the economy, education, internet connection as well as protecting the country's security and sovereignty.
"I am very concerned about the fate of my people who have been affected following implementations of various measures by the government in its effort to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Thus, I call on all Members of Parliament and relevant government agencies to act proactively by going down to the ground to check and dive into the people's issues and monitor the achievements of all programmes that have been announced," he said.
In his speech when opening the First Meeting of the Fourth Term of the 14th Parliament today, the King said social security network programmes such as the Cakna Regional Initiatives and Independent business regions must be continued.
At the same time, Al-Sultan Abdullah said rural development programmes must also be empowered considering there are currently 7.6 million Malaysians living in such areas, including 198,015 Orang Asli.
Given this reality, the King said the government needs to come up with a strategic plan for rural development in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) covering matters on the economy, entrepreneurship, human capital, and delivery systems.
"This is to improve the living standards of those in rural areas. Initiatives to assist rural communities in facing the Covid-19 pandemic must also be continued to reduce their burden," he said.
The government, he said, also needs to focus on improving infrastructure in the country by providing broadband services, adding that this effort would encourage the transformation of the government's delivery system, economic growth as well as empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong said a digital-friendly environment, as well as the use of automation and high technology, can be a catalyst for the country's shift from a low-cost labour industry to a high-tech industry which would create job opportunities for Malaysians.
No matter the challenges, the King said education must not be forgotten as it is vital in ensuring the future of young Malaysians, and this includes a focus on moral and spiritual education.
"Education post-Covid-19 pandemic needs a long-term plan that is sustainable and transparent as well as holistic and comprehensive in nature."
On the country's security, Al-Sultan Abdullah urged all relevant agencies to always be prepared and intensify their efforts in protecting the nation's sovereignty.
He also expressed support for the pragmatic approach taken by the government in diplomacy which has elevated the country's image and reputation on the international stage.
"This can be seen through the various vaccine assistance received from other countries.
"I'd like to express my thanks to the governments of the United Kingdom, United States, Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, and the United Arab Emirates for the vaccine contribution.
"I also welcome the government's effort in promoting good governance based on integrity.
"Therefore, it is very appropriate for the national anti-corruption plan and the organisational anti-corruption plan to continue be upheld so that my people's aspirations to live in a corruption-free country can be achieved," the King said.