KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong should be given the opportunity to represent Malaysia in relevant international conferences or forums, which would enable the King to further contribute towards the country's development.
Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said this would not only boost efforts to further develop the country but also strengthen the royal institution on the world stage.
He said that currently, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's formal duties abroad mainly comprise representing Malaysia for state funerals or royal installations.
Al- Sultan Abdullah also noted that Malaysia's royalty are well-educated and are capable of discussing key issues on a global platform.
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"I sometimes think that for events involving heads of state such as the Asean Summit, APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit or any such global event, the government can consider having the Yang di-Pertuan Agong represent the country.
"This can strengthen the symbol of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and elevate its respectability on the world stage. My suggestion is open to debate, whether appropriate or otherwise.
"Not all such conferences require the attendance of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, perhaps those which involve climate change or humanitarian issues, for example. Conferences involving financial policies and security, for example, can be represented by the prime minister or other ministers.
"While I cannot elaborate in detail on this suggestion, it can be considered for the future, as it can improve the image for the sake of the people and the country," he said.
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In Dec last year, Al-Sultan Abdullah attended the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai.
There, he met and exchanged views with a host of foreign leaders including Prince of Monaco Prince Albert II, Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev.
COP28 involved 70,000 delegates, including heads of state and world leaders, who met to the development of climate action.
Meanwhile, Al-Sultan Abdullah also touched on the need to strengthen the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as it can serve as a uniting force for Malaysia's multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-ethnic population.
"The institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has to be strengthened, not deified. It has to remain as an umbrella for the people and the administration.
"We do not want more power. However, the people, especially the younger generation, has to be educated on the history and role of the royals and the importance of this institution in preserving harmony among the people," he said.