Agong tells people to be wary of militant groups' propaganda

His Majesty said they must always monitor their family members to ensure that they understood the true teachings of Islam.

"I welcome the continuous efforts to strengthen security measures and ensure public order particularly to tackle the threat of terrorists in Sabah and curb the spread of extremist ideology among the people such as the militant Islamic State (IS).

"Following the tabling of the White Paper on the threat posed by the militant group, the government plans to create a law on anti-terrorism," said His Majesty when opening the First Meeting of the Third Term of the 13th Parliament, here Monday.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong also urged all members of parliament to use the parliamentary term as the best time to open a new chapter with a new and positive determination after the various challenges and tribulations faced by the country throughout 2014.

Throughout last year, the country was tested by several unexpected incidents such as the tragedy involving the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flights MH370 and MH17 as well as the extraordinarily severe floods in several states.

"The Raja Permaisuri Agong and I are saddened and pray that all members of the families of victims of the aircraft tragedies would find peace and receive the best solution," the King said.

Their Majesties also prayed that the flood victims would be strong in facing the challenge.

"I hope that Malaysia will emerge stronger from all the challenges faced to become a sovereign state that will be more prosperous," said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Tuanku Abdul Halim hoped that the aid process and rehabilitation of the infrastructure in the flood-affected areas could be implemented immediately including the construction of permanent houses and repair of the homes that were badly damaged by the disaster.

His Majesty also took pride and expressed his appreciation to everyone who had shown a strong spirit of volunteerism to help the flood victims.

Tuanku Abdul Halim said the federal as well as state governments and everyone at the grassroots level should be prepared in managing the disasters and be together in facing whatever misfortune that might occur in future in a more effective manner.

Meanwhile, His Majesty advised those who liked to pit against one another and to spread slander including in the social media to stop such irresponsible acts.

The King said the authorities must take stern action against those irresponsible groups to ensure that harmony between the people of various races, religions and culture continued to be maintained.

Tuanku Abdul Halim also pointed out that the position of Islam as the federal religion must be respected ant not disputed while the people of other faiths were free to practise their religion.

Meanwhile, His Majesty pointed out that the concept of the freedom of speech must be practised with responsibility without causing any tension between the people.

In addition, the King said members of parliament must always show the best example to the people in upholding, protecting and defending the Federal Constitution.

"Appreciate my speech and maintain decorum in your debates in this august house," said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

On the aspect of national development, His Majesty expressed gratitude that various efforts to enhance the quality of life and prosperity of the people continued to be an important government agenda in ensuring that national prosperity could be enjoyed equitably by every strata of society.