Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698135654040.pdf (Malaysia)
PARLIAMENT MALAYSIA THE FIRST MEETING OF THE FOURTH SESSION OF THE TWELFTH PARLIAMENT 7 MARCH 2011 ROYAL ADDRESS BY HIS MAJESTY SERI PADUKA BAGINDA YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG AL-WATHIQU BILLAH TUANKU MIZAN ZAINAL ABIDIN IBNI ALMARHUM SULTAN MAHMUD AL-MUKTAFI BILLAH SHAH Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Rahiim Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin Wabihi Nasta’in Assalamualaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuh and Greetings President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives.
We express Our utmost gratitude to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, for it is with His Munificence, and with His Leave, that we are gathered here today for the Opening Ceremony of the Fourth Session of the Twelfth Parliament.

1 2.

We are thankful that we are blessed with continuous prosperity, security and peace.
We hope that the well-being of the country will continue under the 1Malaysia Concept, whereby the people, in the spirit of solidarity and unity, will continue to work together for the pursuit of excellence in various fields.

3.

The year 2010 marked the end of the 9th Malaysia Plan where 96.2 per cent out of RM230 billion allocated, was spent to implement development projects.

We wish to congratulate the Government, the private sector and the people for their strong partnerships in making it a success.
It is hoped that the implementation of the 10th Malaysia Plan, which begins this year, will continue to enhance the well-being of the people.

4.

Alhamdulillah, the Malaysian economy regained its strength and expanded strongly at a growth of 7.2 per cent in 2010, compared with a contraction of 1.7 per cent in the previous year.

This achievement was due to the strong domestic demand, supported by an encouraging export performance.
The rapid economic recovery was also contributed by the successful implementation of the two economic stimulus packages.

This was further demonstrated by heightened investors’ confidence as reflected in the Bursa Malaysia which reached as high as 1,570 points early this year.
Foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector also saw an increase of 31.7 per cent to RM29.1 billion in 2010, compared with RM22.1 billion in 2009, with major investors from the United States of America, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Germany.

Economic growth for this year is targeted between 5 to 6 per cent, and will be driven by private sector coupled with favourable export performance.
Public expenditure however 2 is estimated to rise at a more gradual rate, consistent with a more prudent fiscal management.

5.

As an open economy nation, external factors such as uncertainties of the global economy would have an impact towards Malaysia’s economic growth.

This is a challenge in our efforts to strengthening the economy, and in achieving a high-income developed nation in 2020.

Honourable Members, 6.


We acknowledge the openness of the Government and despite the success of our economy thus far, concrete measures must be taken to overcome Malaysia being caught in a middle-income trap.
Our Government, helmed by the Honourable Prime Minister, has therefore taken the right steps for transformation predicated on four main thrusts, namely the 1Malaysia Concept, the Government Transformation Programme incorporating the six National Key Results Areas and Economic Transformation Programme based on the New Economic Model as well as the 10th and 11th Malaysia Plans.

7.
7.

The introduction of the Government Transformation and the Economic Transformation Programmes represent bold and far-sighted initiatives designed to realise Malaysia’s aspiration of becoming a high- income developed nation.

In total, 12 National Key Economic Areas have been identified and it is envisaged to generate investments worth more than RM1.3 trillion with 92 per cent by the private sector.
Implementation 3 of the NKEA will have an overall impact on the people due to the creation of about 3.3 million job opportunities in various fields.

This will be able to provide greater choices for job-seekers and also enable them to move to higher-paying jobs.

Thus, the people will be able to gain better quality of life, namely, in education, healthcare, housing, transport and public amenities.

8.
8.

Malaysia is committed to becoming a high-income developed nation in 2020 with a per capita income exceeding USD15,000 or RM50,000.

In view of this, various programmes and initiatives would be implemented to achieve an annual average economic growth of at least 6 per cent, driven by private investment and consumption, as well as increase in exports.

Efforts will be significantly stepped up to equip Malaysia to becoming a market leader with strong governance culture.

Honourable Members, 9.


External trade will continue to be a major contributor to our economy.

In 2010, it rose by 18.3 per cent to RM1.2 trillion compared with RM988.2 billion in 2009.

Malaysia will continue to strengthen its trading and investment with ASEAN, traditional trading partners and rapidly growing economies in Asia, Middle East and South America.

10.

We are pleased with Malaysia’s success in being ranked 10th in the 2010 World Competitiveness Report.
However, we should not be satisfied with what we have achieved.

Hence, continuous liberalisation measures 4 in the manufacturing and services sectors will ensure Malaysia becomes more competitive at the global level.

In line with these measures, domestic industries particularly small and medium enterprises must be strengthened.
In addition, industries related to green technology are encouraged to take into account its potentials in accordance with the National Green Technology Policy in creating sustainable economy for the future.

In order to support the country’s industrial development, electricity and water supply services will be augmented even more to ensure that these services will be uninterrupted, sustainable and improved in quality.

11.
11.

Human capital that is knowledgeable, highly skilled, with first-class mentality and capable of competing globally is an essential pre-requisite to achieving high-income developed nation status.

As such, the human capital development will be given priority through transformation in education, enhancement in skills training and acculturation of life-long learning.

12.
12.

Transformation of education at the school level, particularly in relation to the new standard curriculum will enhance the quality of education.

Mastery of information and communication technology as well as vocational skills will be further intensified.

At the tertiary level, collaborative programmes between universities and industries will be emphasised to further improve marketability of graduates.
We urge that the quality and skills of teachers and lecturers in learning and teaching be upgraded whilst preserving their unyielding dedication and integrity to the profession.

5 13.

In the acculturation of life-long learning, and taking into consideration of market needs and national aspirations, technical and vocational training for school leavers, youths and existing workforce will be further enhanced.
The establishment of the Talent Corporation is geared towards attracting and retaining highly skilled human capital.

These efforts will make Malaysia more attractive to highly skilled experts in support of Malaysia’s transformation agenda.

Honourable Members, 14.

Science, technology and innovation are imperative in steering the country’s development especially in the generation of knowledge, creation of wealth and improving well-being of the people.
Efforts will continue towards commercialising the findings of research and development in order to generate revenue for the country.

We hope that the establishment of the Malaysian Innovation Agency and the formulation of the Creative Industry Policy will intensify wealth creation through innovative activities and creative multimedia industries.

15.

Malaysia is among the leading tourist destinations and ranked 9th in the United Nations World Tourism Organisation list in 2009.
Innovative efforts will be intensified to attract high-yield tourists and broaden the market in the high-growth economies.

Tourism related to nature and our unique diverse society will be a major selling point in promoting Malaysia.

16.

The agriculture sector is still significant in generating revenue and food security.

Hence, the Agro-Food Policy 2011 to 2020 has been 6 formulated to increase food production and reduce the rural-urban economic gap.

17.
17.

In the plantation and commodity sectors, emphasis will be given to increase productivity, high value-added products, research and development as well as marketing.

The capability of the commodity small- holders to increase production will continue to be enhanced to boost their income.

18.

In our pursuit to becoming a developed nation, improvements and upgrading of transportation and communications infrastructure will be continued.
These include land, sea and air transport as well as information and communication technology to create a conducive environment for the people, our investors and business community.

19.

An efficient, fast and effective Government delivery system is pivotal to the progress of the country.

The delivery system will be constantly reviewed and improved as well as diversifying means of service delivery.
Obsolete laws, regulations, procedures, charges and fees are regularly reviewed and amended to facilitate the people, investors and business community.

Honourable Members, 20.

Our Government realises that a developed nation status is meaningless if the people do not enjoy a good quality of life.
In this regard, 7 the Government is implementing a number of initiatives such as widening the access to quality and affordable education, reducing crime rate, combating corruption, improving and expanding rural basic infrastructure, raising the living standards of the low-income group and improving urban public transportation in order to enhance the quality of life and well-being of the people.

21.
21.

In order to build a resilient society, the new generation has to be equipped with knowledge and skills, and inculcated with positive traits from an early age.

In this regard the access to pre-school education for children between 5 and 6 years old will be broadened and the PERMATA Negara Programme will be expanded.

At the same time, to guide them on to excellence, more schools will be recognised as High-Performing Schools.

22.
22.

Although the 2010 World Peace Index ranked Malaysia as the second best in Asia and twenty-second in the world, the Government will not be complacent and will continue to preserve security and public order.

We congratulate the Royal Malaysia Police for their tireless efforts and full commitment in ensuring the various races in this country live in peace and harmony, without any disorder or hostility.
The continuous dedication shown by the Royal Malaysia Police in preventing crime, which include the introduction of new initiatives, is commendable.

The reduction of overall crime index by 15 per cent and the reduction of street crimes by 35 per cent in 2010 surpassing the set targets is certainly note-worthy achievements.

8 23.
8 23.

We welcome the strategic cooperation between the Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysia Armed Forces such as using military camps to train police personnel, to enlist retired army personnel into the police force and to hold joint patrolling in preventing crime.

We are pleased with this development as such strategic cooperation is very rarely practised.

This is a positive sign which will bring huge benefits to the people and the country.

24.
24.

The role of the Malaysia Armed Forces goes beyond defending the nation.

It extends to assisting the flood victims and building rural infrastructure through the Jiwa Murni Programme.

The selection of the Malaysia Armed Forces in assisting with the capacity development of Afghanistan is recognition of our Armed Forces’ professionalism.

We would like to take the opportunity to reiterate that it is the responsibility of every one to defend the sovereignty of the nation.
In relation to this, the Government will further develop programmes to attract more people from various races to join the Malaysia Armed Forces.

In this regard, the National Service Training Programme aimed at promoting patriotism and unity among the trainees from different races would be reinforced.

25.

The Government is committed to combat corruption.


It is not only for the purpose to elevate Malaysia’s ranking in the Corruption Perception Index, but done with the awareness that corruption will ruin the country and its people.

It is only with the cooperation of all parties, can corruption be eradicated.

Thus, give your full support and trust to the Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission in combating corruption, abuse of power and other forms of fraud.

9 26.
9 26.

The well-being of people in rural areas, including Orang Asli community in Peninsular, as well as in Sabah and Sarawak, has never been neglected during the course of national development.

Amenities such as rural roads, public infrastructures, supplies of clean water, electricity and telephone will continue to be improved for the rural population.
In 2010, the construction of nearly 800 kilometres of new and upgraded roads, 16,900 units of housing for the poor and the hard-core poor, as well as the supplies of clean water and electricity to 35,000 and 27,000 houses, respectively have been realised throughout the country.

27.

We are pleased that the number of hard-core poor has been reduced from more than 44,000 households recorded at the beginning of 2010 to around 100 households by year end.
In order to ensure they will not revert to hard-core poverty, the Government has implemented various programmes such as 1AZAM and the inclusive development approach.

28.

The Rural Development Master Plan has been formulated to gather resources from all agencies concerned with the implementation of development programmes in a more systematic and holistic manner.
Training and education of human capital, betterment of the economy, infrastructure, physical planning, improved quality of life and management of natural resources will be given due attention.

Even though the income of FELDA settlers have increased with the rise in commodity prices, efforts to improve their quality of life will be continued.

In 2011, FELDA has allocated RM1.6 billion for this purpose.

10 Honourable Members, 29.


Realising the potential of women in various fields, they will be empowered particularly in the economic sector by providing them with entrepreneurial training and capital for business start ups.

To date, the target of producing 1,000 women entrepreneurs a year has been achieved.
To encourage more women to join the work force and to have 30 per cent of them in the ranks of decision-makers, We highly applaud the formulation of the Employment Regulations (Part-time Employees) 2010 and the setting up of the Special Committee for gender programmes in the public sector.

The protection of children has been highlighted through the National Policy and Action Plan for the Protection of Children, aimed at ensuring security screening for all parties dealing with children.
In line with this plan, the NUR Alert Missing Children Early Warning System has been implemented.

30.

To ease the burden of the low-income group, the Government’s commitment includes the selling of more than 44,000 low-cost houses to this group, involving the existing tenants and squatters in the Kuala Lumpur and building of more than 63,000 new houses under the People Housing Scheme, to be rented out at nominal sum.
Under the 10th Malaysia Plan, more than 38,000 housing units will be built, and sold or rented out to those in need.

31.

The Government will continue to raise the quality of life of the people by improving public amenities, conserving and creating more green belts and recreational areas for social interaction, including for the disabled.

At 11 the same time all parties should play their role in maintaining cleanliness and conserving the environment including by recycling.

32.
32.

We welcome the Greater Kuala Lumpur / Klang Valley initiative to transform Kuala Lumpur into a great and safe metropolis, endowed with first-class facilities, clean rivers and beautiful landscape by 2020.

Accordingly, Kuala Lumpur will be transformed to optimise its potential as a significant catalyst for Malaysia’s economic growth, offering more jobs and new business opportunities for all levels of society.

33.
33.

Public transportation will be continuously improved in enhancing our quality of life and environment.

Since the Government has targeted 25 per cent of commuters in the Klang Valley to use public transport by 2012, various measures have and will continue to be implemented in meeting this target.

In due course, the 60 kilometres Sungai Buloh-Kajang via Kuala Lumpur Mass Rapid Transit System will be constructed.
Once completed, it would increase the number of public transport commuters to the target level of 50 per cent by 2020.

Concurrently, the inter-city public transportation system is being upgraded, inter-alia the construction of the electrified double tracking rail from Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar in the north and Johor Bahru in the south.

34.

In spite of road safety campaigns and improvement in public transportation system, the rate of road accidents is still high.
We call for enforcement to be intensified, and for public transport operators to be more responsible by providing a service that places safety first.

The people also should strictly adhere to road laws and regulations.

12 35.

To complement the services of 1Malaysia Clinic in urban areas, We appreciate the services provided by the Mobile 1Malaysia Clinic in the remote areas, ranging from dental treatment, eye examination and offering of free spectacles.
At the same time, the people should pay serious attention to their health and well-beings.

For instance, dengue fever can be prevented if cleanliness is maintained in their surroundings.

Non-contagious and chronic diseases too can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

36.
36.

The Government’s concern to the needs of the youths is manifested in its policies and programmes encompassing education, training, entrepreneurship, leadership, community, sports, social, culture and others to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead.

We call upon the youths to seize these opportunities.

Always remember, youths of today will be the leaders of tomorrow.

Honourable Members, 37.

There is no country, including Malaysia spared from the effects of climate change and global warming.
Recently our nation experienced two occurrences of flooding due to north-easterly monsoon and the La Nina phenomenon.

Although the flooding had caused severe hardship to the people, the suffering had been alleviated by assistance from several agencies, and the Government’s alertness in facing unpredictable natural disasters.
A more integrated early disaster warning system, incorporating 13 climate and weather prediction as well as early flood warnings, would be enhanced to make this detection more effective.

38.

As a result of global warming, natural disasters and policy changes from the producing countries, price of foodstuffs globally has been increasing.

In addition, the world’s food production which increased between 1 and 2 per cent is unable to accommodate the world’s population growth of 4 percent annually.
This global food crisis is beyond our control, and as Malaysia is a food importer we will not be spared from this crisis.

In view of this situation, We call upon the people to be better prepared to face this phenomenon.

Be smart consumers, spend wisely, and do not relying too heavily on the Government.
However, being mindful of the anxiety and hardship of the people, the Government has allocated RM10.3 billion in the form of subsidies to enable the people to purchase their daily staples at a reasonable price.

39.

We are very concerned over the tendency of certain quarters to raise sensitive issues bordering racism as well as politicising unwarranted matters.

We call all Malaysians to uphold the sovereignty of the law and the supremacy of the Federal Constitution.
The sovereignty of the Malay rulers, the position of Islam as the Federal religion, and the special position of the Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as the legitimate interests of other communities including citizenship and fundamental rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution should not be questioned to avoid disunity.

Although Islam is the religion of the Federation, other religions can be practised in peace.
In fact, celebrations of religious festivals that 14 have large followers are designated as public holidays.

This testifies the precept of moderation and inclusiveness propounded in Islam, which has flourished in this country.

40.

Non-governmental organisations (NGO) are recognised as an important element in the building of a civil society.

In this country, NGOs have been assisting the Government in various fields.
We hope that the NGOs, while carrying out their activities, will refrain from pandering on sensitivities and issues that are detrimental to harmony and the country’s image.

41.

Internationally, Malaysia will continue to contribute towards global peace.

We are pleased with the encouraging response from the world’s leading nations regarding the Global Movement Towards Moderation proposed by the Prime Minister.
This represents Malaysia’s contribution for the attainment of global peace, harmony, prosperity and development.

The close and friendly ties especially with the ASEAN countries will be emphasised based on the ASEAN Charter towards realising the ASEAN Community in 2015.

42.

When compared to certain countries, we have much to be grateful for.

The stability and harmony that we have been enjoying should be preserved.
The Government’s commitment in ensuring the well-being of the people transcends national boundaries as highlighted in last month’s Ops Piramid where students caught in the political upheaval in Egypt were brought home safely.

In this regard, We would like to express our gratitude to all parties involved in the operation, not least to our friends, especially 15 the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who have helped tremendously in facilitating Ops Piramid.

43.
43.

We would like to congratulate all the national athletes for their success in international competitions in 2010 such as the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the AFF Suzuki Football Championship.

We and the people hope that our athletes will bring home Malaysia’s first gold medal in the London Olympic Games 2012.

Honourable Members, 44.

We call upon every one to preserve harmony and the country’s dignity at all times.
Be a wise and responsible citizen who is not easily influenced by incitement and slander from irresponsible parties.

Be reminded that such irresponsible behaviour can undermine national unity, and is a despicable act forbidden by all religions.

Let us all learn from the past where incitement had caused the downfall of several empires.

45.
45.

We have on many occasions been reminding the Honourable Members that their conduct in this august House is constantly being scrutinised and hence, they should be exemplary.

Thus, do demonstrate behaviour that is commendable, debate in a civil manner, contribute constructive thoughts, carry out the responsibility entrusted to you, and put the interest of the people first.

Be mindful that the people demand the best from every leader that they have elected.

16 46.
16 46.

To all the Honourable Members, the Civil Service, Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysia Armed Forces, the private sector, non-government organisations and everyone, let us work together to contribute towards transforming Malaysia into a high-income developed nation, with an inclusive and sustainable economy where the people enjoy a high quality of life.

47.
47.

We and the Raja Permaisuri Agong wish to express Our appreciation to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Members of the Senate and Members of the House of Representatives, the Government and the people of Malaysia for their cooperation and undivided loyalty.

We and the Raja Permaisuri Agong pray that Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala will always bless Malaysia with peace and prosperity, and the people will be bestowed with happiness here and in the hereafter.
Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah, Wassalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

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