KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should be more conspicuous at the international level in its stance to support peace and combat terrorism, decreed His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
In his royal address at the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament, His Majesty said this included taking a firm position on the Palestinian cause by calling for an immediate ceasefire and accelerating humanitarian aid access to the people of Gaza.
"Malaysia's active role at both the Asean and international levels should be sustained to foster a spirit of unity and spur progress while considering the geopolitical challenges and regional developments.
"The country also needs to take a firm position on the Palestinian issue by calling for an immediate ceasefire and to accelerate humanitarian aid access to the people of Gaza in Palestine," His Majesty said.
This is His Majesty's first time opening the Dewan Rakyat since being appointed as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in January, this year.
His Majesty's arrival was welcomed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, both Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul as well as Dewan Negara President Datuk Mutang Tagal.
At the same time, Sultan Ibrahim also called upon all quarters to work together in the hope that Malaysia would stay progressive, prosperous, peaceful, and secure, allowing its people to live fulfilling and happy lives.
"I would like to express my appreciation for the loyalty shown to me and our country by the public service members, the armed forces, the police and all government agencies who have tirelessly served with the utmost dedication.
"I also thank the people for maintaining a harmonious unity, living cohesively, and holding firmly to the principles of the Rukun Negara."
The third session of the 15th Parliament commenced today and will run until March 27.
The 19-day session which was graced by Sultan Ibrahim will be continued with debate among the MPs on the second day.
Other matters expected to take centre stage during the session include the economic issues, particularly the falling ringgit and rising cost of living.