As in real life and human history, there are ebb and flow over time. Similarly, the influence of our monarchy went through that process mainly influenced by the relative power of the elected leaders.
Am not sure about others but I think this is one of the best royal address for opening of a parliament session at the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament. The wide-ranging speech demands focus on the wellbeing of the people; upholding Bahasa Melayu with education to be in line with the National Education Policy; prioritisings national interests over state rights; and intensifying anti-corruption efforts.
When the Agong termed the corrupt and their enablers “traitors”, Sultan Ibrahim means business. The evidence of lack of action lies in the annual auditor general’s report. Further, His Majesty said those who cannot accept the use of Bahasa Melayu should “not stay in Malaysia”.
When The Agong Speaks, Does The Earth Moves Under The Politicians’ Feet?
Anwar said, the Royal Address will be implemented rigorously by the Madani government. The Education Ministry acknowledged the Agong’s decree that all education systems must align with the National Education Policy, emphasizing that Bahasa Melayu must remain the main language. The Defence Ministry has pledged to fully heed the decree. The Home Ministry promised not merely to listen to the decree, but to truly internalise it in implementation. The Housing and Local Government Ministry said the ministry will focus on efforts to improve the quality of affordable housing construction.
Let us give a few months to see what concrete actions will be implemented. Few Experiences From The Past.
The Royal Address at the First Meeting of the Third Session of the Fifteenth Parliament in 2024 called on the government to formulate a policy aimed at ensuring unity – has this been done? The Agong said, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land – the result of the agreement among Malay Rulers to establish a federation and to empower Parliament to enact laws – must be respected. Therefore, there should not be attempts by any party to manipulate and politicise this basic foundation of the Constitution.
Last year, the Education Ministry promised to heed Agong’s decree to implement anti-bullying campaign. What is the status now and hope the AntiBullying Bill passed in December 2025 will be quickly implemented?
For the Defence Ministry, in August 2025, the Agong said, “Do not repeat the past mistake like when we bought second-hand Skyhawks (‘flying coffins’)? Sometime ago his Majesty pointed out the purchase of rigid raiding craft at RM5 million when a better boat is under RM2 million. These should have been wakeup calls for the MACC but preliminary investigations started only in December 2025. For the records, the Agong graciously made an official working visit to the ministry in March 2024.
The Housing and Local Government Ministry may have received royal praise for its strong performance in 2025 but to continue delivering results for the people, do take heed of stakeholders’ views especially for the Urban Redevelopment Bill.
Recent Statements From Other Rulers
The Sultan of Perak issued several high-profile statements. His Majesty said, “The people must not be made victims of seemingly endless political disputes, when the nation’s energy and resources are better directed towards more productive endeavours”. His Majesty added, focus on strengthening cooperation and deepening the understanding forged by past leaders and poisonous words can destroy unity more than weapons.
In his capacity as chairman of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI), His Majesty emphasised the need for federal and state governments to act on the council’s resolutions stating that they should not merely become “documents buried under piles of paper”.
The Sultan of Selangor also spoke about unity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among the people for the nation’s growth and well-being.
The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan spoke regarding the economic and ethical landscape of Malaysia and expressed deep disappointment and “shock” over public support for individuals convicted of graft, labeling corruption as the foremost enemy of the nation.
His Majesty also called for reforms to judicial independence and ensure the appointment of judges is free from influence by the executive branch. Cost of living was also touched, emphasising that no one in the state, especially low and middle-income groups should be left behind.
The Sultan of Pahang described Bahasa Melayu as more than a tool for communication – it is a pillar of unity, a symbol of national identity, the heartbeat of civilisation, the soul of the nation, and a symbol of wisdom that has shaped Malaysia’s history from the Melaka Sultanate to independence.
Be mindful, under the Federal Constitution, the Conference of Rulers (CoR) is invested with several constitutional functions on the rule of law, freedom of religion, position of Islam in the legal system, good governance and the “social contract” between the races. It is the ultimate “umbrella” that protects the special position of the Malays and the Bumiputera of Sabah and Sarawak.
Remember ICERD and the Rome Statute, the CoR opposed them on the ground that they would undermine Islam, Malay special position and the position of the Rulers.
Our legal system is not absolute monarchy but historical traditions and provisions of the federal and state constitutions indicate that the remit of the monarchy goes beyond those of a constitutional monarch.
What’s Next?
The Royal’s concerns are not new.
Anwar promised that the Royal Address will be implemented rigorously by the Madani government. Will we see concrete plans and actions and monitoring mechanisms in the next few weeks on all of the above concerns? Will it be holistic? Will we still be chasing bribe recipients only but givers, agents and any parties acting in collusion are not investigated and punished accordingly?
Will it be an agenda in the weekly audience with the Agong or the Royal concerns will be buried under piles of paper?
The Rakyat is now turning to the monarchy for enforcing check and balance, transparency and to reconcile our polarised society.
Politicians must fulfill their obligations with integrity, sincerity, wisdom and responsibility in the interest of all Malaysians and the strength and success of a country does not depend solely on GDP only but also grounded in the values of integrity.
“Indeed, Allah commands you to convey the trust to those who are entitled to receive it, and when you judge between people, judge with justice…” (AnNisa: 58).
By the way, is the Rukun Negara just a pledge that is to be repeated every year, or truly understood, lived and practiced by everyone?
What say you…
Saleh Mohammed
Following on from the above article there remains that question: Why must the Government keep insisting to proceed with the RCI on Pulau Batu Putih walhal kita tahu dimana permulaan kesalahan asal kita.