Monarchy institution a reflection of the personification of the nation

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the Monarchy Institution or in the context of the Federal Government, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is a reflection of the ''Personification of the Nation''.

He said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as a reflection or manifestation to the 'Adicita' or Rukun Negara ideology, is fundamental to a prosperous and independent nation.

"Truly, the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is unique to Malaysia, because it is not the practice in other countries that practise monarchy in the world. It is not trough a voting system by the people and it is also not hereditary.

"The institution is none other than a continuity of the tradition of the royal Malay Rulers since time immemorial," he said when delivering his congratulatory speech and pledge of loyalty on the installation of Sultan Muhammad V as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the Istana Negara today.

Najib said the system of Constitutional Monarchy practised in Malaysia was also very orderly according to the principles specified on the spirit that the Ruler and the People cannot be separated.

Najib said the programme's sixth annual report showed it had achieved many successes and received recognition from various international bodies.

"Thank God, although the country is not spared from facing the global economic downturn, according to the World Bank, our economy will hopefully grow by 4.3 per cent in 2017.

"In fact, last week, I, as the Prime Minister, on behalf of His Majesty's government, had launched a new chapter to the Bumiputera policy, 45 years after the New Economic Policy was introduced by my late father, Tun Haji Abdul Razak, in 1971," he said.

Najib said the next phase in the Bumiputera policy was the transformation of their welfare in an inclusive manner, not only taking into account their participation in the economy, but across all aspects of life.

Speaking on national security, the prime minister said the government would increase the security level, especially in the country's waters and all entry points.

Najib, representing the government, security forces, civil servants and the people of Malaysia expressed deep gratitude to Sultan Muhammad V, in conjunction with his installation.

"I, on behalf of the government together with the Deputy Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi), as well as members of the administration and the people here, will always pray that His Majesty is bestowed the strength and guidance, as well as good health during his reign, as a symbol of greatness and national pride, " he said.

The Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V was officially installed as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in a ceremony held in accordance with the tradition of the Malay Sultanate, today.

Sultan Muhammad V, 47, was elected by the Conference of Rulers at its 243rd (Special) Meeting at Istana Negara on October 14, which also saw the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah elected as the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

On Dec 13 last year, His Majesty had taken oath of office and signed the letter of declaration as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara.

Sultan Muhammad V replaced the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, who ended his tenure on Dec 12 last year.

-- BERNAMA