The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah emphasized the importance of preserving and protecting the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, stating that if the institution deviates from its function, the government would weaken and the country would be in disarray.
He declared that the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the last defense that ensures the well-being of the people and the sovereignty of the country.
Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed the need to protect the institution, preserve its dignity, and never tarnish it with lies and deceit during the State Banquet held to mark the completion of his reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Saturday (Jan 27).
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, along with his wife and Cabinet Ministers, were also in attendance at the event.
Al-Sultan Abdullah’s five-year reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong is set to conclude on Jan 30.
Reflecting on his tenure, Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed gratitude for being blessed with good health during his rule, which saw him work with four different prime ministers.
He also mentioned his upcoming handover of power, stating, “If there are no other obstacles or more ‘other moves’ in the next two days, I will complete my reign with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.”
Al-Sultan Abdullah admitted that he never anticipated having to appoint three prime ministers and guide the country through uncertainty, but he maintained a commitment to the principle of parliamentary democracy at all times.
The 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong also cautioned against making changes solely for political agendas, emphasizing that such actions would not benefit any party and could lead to suffering for the people and economic instability in the country.
“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
