Agong opens Parliament sitting

KUALA LUMPUR: Act immediately on social media abuse that incite hatred or spread seditious and slanderous remarks.
In making the call, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah called on the relevant authorities to act promptly to address the spread of such messages to maintain the harmony and peace in the nation.
"Attempts by some parties to incite racial sentiments and abuse the social media to spread seditious, slanderous remarks and extremist ideologies should be contained and addressed immediately by the relevant agencies.
"The inability to act promptly could lead to bigger conflicts and discords," his majesty said when opening the 4th Parliament sitting for the 13th term today.
Reiterating his call to the parliamentarians to be loyal to the country, Tuanku Abdul Halim said, all members should continue to exercise healthy and beneficial political aspirations for the benefit of the people.
Tuanku Abdul Halim also hoped that all parties will demonstrate exemplary behaviour by working together and offering constructive ideas for the wellbeing of the people and the prosperity of the country.
"In a parliamentary democracy, differences of opinions are valued but refrain from fostering enmity and slander that can lead to the downfall of the nation.
"Prevent from tarnishing the country in the eyes of the international community," Tuanku Abdul Halim said.
He also said the public service will continually be transformed to be more people-oriented, productive and efficient, with more than 80% of government services which can now be accessed online to date.
"We call upon the Public Service to safeguard the secrecy of the government information and adhere to the relevant laws and regulations to ensure the country's stability," Tuanku Abdul Halimsaid.
His Majesty also added that negative perceptions on corruption, malpractices and misuse of power can be addressed by strengthening integrity and good governance.
He expressed confidence that by empowering the Syariah courts, it will strengthen religious institutions and enhance the administration of Islamic laws.
"Religious issues should be referred to the relevant authorities, and not subjected to interpretation by any individuals or groups as this could cause unnecessary confusion and friction within the society," said Tuanku Abdul Halim.
He also touched on security threat posed by militants and terrorists, giving his support to the enactment of law and upgrading security assets to curb the spread of extremist ideology.
Other matters mentioned by His Majesty were:
» for women to expand their career by taking up decision making positions while the organisations provide a more conducive working environment;
» to intensify preparations for pre, during and post disaster periods;
» the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax has supported economic growth to remain sustainable at a rate of 5% last year and is expected to grow between 4%-4.5% this year;
» being a member in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement will prepare a bigger market in the 12 countries for the business community with the GDP more than USD27million.
Earlier, Tuanku Abdul Halim and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah received the royal salute from
Major Mohd Eqram Mohd Rosli who led the guard of honour mounted by the 1st Battalion Royal Malay Regiment.

The royal regiment's band played the national anthem, Negaraku, after which
a 21-gun salute was fired.
The king attended a photography session before being escorted to the Dewan Rakyat to deliver the royal address.

The Dewan Rakyat will sit for 20 days until April 7, while the Dewan Negara will sit from April 18 till May 4, for 11 days.