Don't drag the country into politics again - Agong

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has urged all Members of Parliament (MPs) not to drag the country into political turmoil when the people are suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

His Majesty said the elected representatives should always demonstrate maturity in politics, including animating problem and striving for the people, adhering to the principle of justice, practising a clean political culture, avoiding religious and race sensitivities, sovereignty of the nation and position of the Malay Rulers.

"Do not drag the country back to political turmoil as the people are still facing various problems and difficult times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Indeed, unity and harmony have begun in this noble hall and I am confident that the people will continue to be united in developing the country if the people are not bribed with a fire of hostility and disunity," he said.

Al-Sultan Abdullah said this at the opening of the First Meeting, the Third Assembly of the 14th Parliament at the Dewan Rakyat here on Monday.

In the meantime, the King has the confidence in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government to continue to lead the country on the right track.

Al-Sultan Abdullah said he had established a trustworthy and fair trust in the matter of appointing the eighth Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"Indeed, I have established in a transparent and just manner in accordance with the concept of the constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy which is the backbone of our country's practice.

"I appreciate the maturity and cooperation of all the honorable members and the people who have played such a prudent and ethical role that enabled me to shoulder this trust.

"I advise you to exercise this trust honestly and responsibly and never neglect the well-being of the people," he said.