King: Avoid questioning the constitution and maintain unity
By Makwin Nik Anis, The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin voiced his concern about tendencies to raise racial and sensitive issues as well as questioning the constritution.
The sovereignty of the Malay Rulers, the position of Islam as the religion of the Federation, the special position of the Malays and bumiputra and the interest of other races concerning citizenship and basic rights as stated in the Constitution must not be questioned to avoid disunity, he said.
“I urge all parties to uphold the law and the Constitution. Although Islam is the religion of the Federation, other religions can be practiced peacefully.
“In fact, religious festivities are made public holidays. This shows that moderation and inclusiveness, as promoted by Islam, is being well practiced in this country,” he said.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong was speaking at the opening of the fourth term of the 12th Parliament session on Monday.
Tuanku Mizan also said non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which was an important element in the development of a civil society, should avoid sensitive issues when carrying out their programmes as it could threaten harmony and the country’s image.
Also present were the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.
Tuanku Mizan also reminded Members of Parliament that their behaviour and attitude while in the august hall were closely watched by the rakyat.
“Therefore, always display good behaviour, debate in orderly manner and contribute positive ideas. Remember that the rakyat is constantly demanding the best service from each leader they elect,” he said.
The fourth session will be held from Tuesday until April 7.
A heated session is expected after the drama on the final-day of the Dewan Rakyat sitting last December which saw four opposition MPs suspended.
The row between Barisan Nasional and the opposition over several issues is expected to continue on Tuesday.
With talk of the general election just round the corner, the Dewan Rakyat is a forum that the opposition will want to exploit even without the four suspended for six months Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PKR-Permatang Pauh), Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak), R.Sivarasa (PKR-Subang) and Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor).
One issue that will be debated at the month-long session of the Dewan Rakyat is the decision of the government to buy six Littoral Combat Ships for RM6bil, which the opposition has alleged is way too high a price.
The Defence Minister has promised to address the allegation, in full.
Another issue that the opposition will pursue is the distribution of Bumiputra equity, with PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail insisting on full disclosure of the recipients of the 1.5 billion shares allocated last year.
Saifuddin has said that he would raise the matter in the Dewan Rakyat session to ensure transparency and accountability of the distribution scheme.
The Interlok novel for form five students is another issue expected to heat up the session although the government has already said that those parts that the Indian community considered sensitive will be amended.
Two major bills are to be tabled, one to coordinate and determine the minimum wage for private sector workers and the other to expand “publications” to include multimedia contents.
The opposition now numbers 76 in the Dewan Rakyat after the Padang Serai MP,
N.Gobalakrisnan, quit PKR to become an Independent.
With four members suspended, the opposition will have only 72 in this session of the Dewan Rakyat.
