KUALA LUMPUR: Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has called upon parliamentarians to take heed of Sultan Ibrahim's decree and work together for the sake of the country's future.
Johari, who is the Titiwangsa member of parliament, said it is crucial for both the government and opposition parties to work together to bring back the economy on track.
"The government and opposition must work together to bring the economy back on track.
"The rakyat's welfare and country's economy must be made a top priority," he said, adding that a status quo in the ruling party structure until 2027 as decreed by the king would allow for focus to be unshifted from achieving these aims.
Yesterday, Sultan Ibrahim graced the opening ceremony of the Third session of the 15th Parliament. It was also His Majesty's first time opening the Dewan Rakyat since being appointed as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in January.
During his royal address, Sultan Ibrahim also called upon both government and opposition parties to remain united and work together to develop Malaysia for the benefit of the people.
His Majesty also said that the success and failure of the country do not solely depend on the shoulders of the Prime Minister, but also on the responsibility of all 222 members of parliament (MPs) elected by the people.
At the same time, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has also given assurance on the government's commitment to the Dewan Rakyat proceedings.
Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the government MPs are fully ready to participate in a royal debate following the address given by Sultan Ibrahim during the opening ceremony.
"I attended the Parliament (opening ceremony) this morning and listened to the royal address by the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim in conjunction with the opening of the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament today.
"Together with the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and government MPs, we are fully prepared for the royal address debate which commences tomorrow (today) and will provide a high commitment to this Parliament session, God Willing," said the Bagan Datuk MP.
Meanwhile, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also expressed hopes for the Dewan Rakyat proceedings to continue prioritising agendas related to the people's wellbeing.
Wee, who is the Ayer Hitam member of parliament, also hoped that the proceedings would proceed smoothly.
"History was created today with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia officiating the opening ceremony of the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament.
"Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia also graced the ceremony with her attendance.
"May the coming Dewan Rakyat proceedings run smoothly and continue to prioritise the people's agenda," he said.