KUALA LUMPUR – The people suffer when politicians only think of grabbing power, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said in a parting message in conjunction with the completion of his reign.
At a state banquet last night, the king cautioned that changing things based solely on political agendas would never benefit any party.
“We do not make changes, just for the sake of making them. Changing the prime minister every year doesn’t guarantee anything.
“It’s the people who will suffer, the economy will decline and eventually the country will become unstable,” he said, Bernama reports.
“Insya-Allah, if there are no other obstacles or more ‘other moves’ in the next two days, I will complete my reign with (Prime Minister) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.”
Al-Sultan Abdullah was reflecting on his five-year reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
During this time he presided over the Sheraton Move in 2020 that toppled the elected Pakatan Harapan federal government, the change of government and prime minister in August 2021 from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration to Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s, and the forming of the unity government under Anwar following the 15th general election in November 2022.
“It never crossed my mind that I would have to undertake the duty of appointing three prime ministers and to guide the country out of uncertainty,” Al-Sultan Abdullah said.
He added that he held on to the principle of parliamentary democracy at all times.
The king also said the “institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong” must be preserved and protected, and must not deviate from its function or the government would become weak.
He said it was the last bastion that would ensure the people’s wellbeing and the country’s sovereignty.
“So protect the institution to the best of your ability. Preserve its dignity and never besmirch it with lies and deceit.”
Also gracing the event was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Anwar and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, as well as several cabinet ministers were also present.
Al-Sultan Abdullah completes his five-year reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on January 30.
Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has been elected as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year term, effective this Wednesday. – January 28, 2024