KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, said today the government would strive to retain its subsidies and other forms of assistance to enable the people face the consequences of rising fuel prices in the international market.
The King said more than RM36 billion has been allocated for the purpose and so far various forms of subsidy and assistance had been made available to offset higher prices for goods and ease the burden on the people.
"The high fuel prices in the international market have had a direct impact on the prices of goods and services. The government has therefore taken various measures including imposing price controls and stepping up enforcement to stem price increases for the well-being of the people, particularly those in the low-income group," he said.
Tuanku Mizan was delivering his royal address when opening the first session of the 12th Parliament. The Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Nur Zahirah, was also present.
The King said he was saddened to learn that certain quarters had abused the subsidies by hoarding essential goods and also smuggling them out of the country to make huge profits for themselves.
"These are despicable acts which impose difficulties on the people and violate their rights," he said.
The King reminded the people that the measures taken by the government would amount to nothing unless they themselves exercised prudent spending.
On another matter, he expressed his appreciation to all quarters for the running of a smooth general election (on March 8) and wanted MPs to have the nation's interests as their primary objective and not use the Dewan Rakyat for their individual political interests.
"I extend my congratulations to all the elected members of the Dewan Rakyat and hope that all of you will discharge your duties and responsibilities with dedication, sincerity and honesty and show exemplary conduct.
"The people's respect for and confidence in Parliament as the supreme legislative body depends on the role played by the Members of Parliament. Use this august House as the stage to put forth constructive criticism and enlightening views," he said.
Earlier, the King and Queen were greeted on arrival at the Parliament grounds by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and their wives, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, respectively.
A section of the MPs and their spouses at the opening of Parliament this morning including PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (fifth from right). — Bernama pic
At 10.30am, the ceremonial bell was rung and the King entered the Dewan Rakyat gallery accompanied by Pandikar Amin.
Abdullah presented the text of the royal address to the King for the opening of the first session of the 12th Parliament.
The first meeting of the first session of the Dewan Rakyat begins tomorrow. The House will sit for 16 days up to May 27.
In his speech, the King also said he wanted the government to ensure that its five regional economic development corridors will benefit all the people.
This is because the economic development projects were not confined to specific areas but covered the whole country, and had the potential to create more than 12 million jobs in various sectors, he said.
"As such, I hope the implementation of the five regional economic development corridors will spur greater economic activities, raise the living standard of the people, eradicate poverty and reduce the income gap among races, states and regions," he said.
"I extend my congratulations to the prime minister for leading the nation to economic success in the face of external challenges such as a moderate world economic growth, rising world crude oil and food prices, and stiff competition in terms of trade and investment," he said.
The King said the country's economy exceeded the six per cent target to register a growth of 6.3 per cent last year and the per capita income rose to more than RM23,000 while the inflation rate was kept low, at two per cent, and the rate of unemployment maintained at 3.3 per cent.
Tuanku Mizan said he also wanted the government re-evaluate the priorities accorded to the development programmes and projects of the ongoing Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) during the mid-term review of the plan so as to achieve the objectives of the National Mission.
Besides, he said, the mid-term review must also give emphasis to efforts to step up the nation's resilience and competitiveness.
"I appreciate the determination of the government in the implementation of the development projects under the 9MP. Up to last March, RM81.7 billion or a sum equivalent to 40.8 per cent of the total allocation of RM200 billion has been spent.
"This has given a positive impact to the nation's economic growth, particularly in the construction sector and construction-related industries. I hope this rate of sustainable growth can be maintained," he said.
Tuanku Mizan said he was proud of the government's success in reducing the poverty rate to 3.6 per cent compared to the 75 per cent when the nation achieved its independence, with the hardcore poverty rate having dropped to 0.7 per cent.
"I am confident that hardcore poverty can be wiped out by 2010," he said.
Tuanku Mizan said he wanted the government, in facing a more challenging environment, to enhance efforts to exploit new sources of growth and new markets while expanding existing markets, come up with new products and services, establish smart partnerships and upgrade efficiency and productivity.
He said he was confident the nation would chalk up bigger successes, comparable to those attained by developed countries, when it entered the second 50-year phase of its development after independence. — Bernama
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