Whole population must unite to preserve environment - Sultan Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- In the journey towards modernisation and rapid national development, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said the whole Malaysian population must be responsible in preserving the assets available in the national environment.

As the caliph tasked to look after the environment, the King said the responsibility was not only borne by the government but everyone must develop positive attitude in the aspect of preserving the environment.

“Lately, various types of pollution and destruction to the environment had cropped up due to the attitude and weaknesses of the people themselves. We frequently forget that the environment is a major component needed for comfortable living.

“Thus, I call upon every strata of society, regardless of race or religion, to unite in preserving and looking after the environment,” said Sultan Abdullah at the conferment of Federal Territory Honours, Awards and Medals to 200 recipients in conjunction with Federal Territory Day 2019 at the Istana Negara, today,

Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Almarhum Sultan Iskandar accompanied the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the event held at the Balairung Seri. Also present were Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

Describing the 15th Federal Territory Day Celebration as being very meaningful, as it was the first time that Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah attended it after he was selected as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Jan 31, he said he was proud of the rapid development of the Federal Territory.

The King said that beginning as a tin mining town in the 19th century, Kuala Lumpur was now a metropolitan capital city that was rapidly developing while Putrajaya became the pulse of the country's modern administration and Labuan was known as an offshore international financial centre.

“I am most thankful to see the continued commitment of the government in developing the Federal Territory through sustainable economic growth besides championing the welfare of the people in the Federal Territory.

“I hope the Federal Territory Ministry and my government helmed by the Prime Minister, who has vast experience, will continue to enhance the people's socio-economic status and raise the image of the Federal Territory all over the world,”Sultan Abdullah said.

The King also took pride in the success of the River of Life (ROL) project which was recognised  as one of the 'World's Top 10 Waterfront Districts' and the National Monument Park, an initiative to preserve environmental heritage assets.

Besides the solidarity of the people in preserving the environment, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong said the unity of the people of various races and religions must be the key to face the various challenges in the country in future.

Telling the people to be united and to avoid disputes while maintaining mutual respect regardless of race and religion, the King emphasised:

"How can the ship be navigated if members of the crew are not united under the leadership of the skipper. If this goes on, soon the ship will sink. Similarly, the same is true with regard to living in a plural society. This is because consensus and solidarity are crucial to success and prosperity in the country,” said Sultan Abdullah. 

The King also reminded the award recipients to look after their integrity and good name to maintain the honour of the awards received.

This year, an individual was conferred the Seri Mahkota Wilayah (SMW) which carries the title Datuk Seri while 27 Individuals received the Panglima Mahkota Wilayah (PMW) which carries the title Datuk. 

In addition, 36 individuals were conferred the Johan Mahkota Wilayah (JMW), 32 individuals received the award Kesatria Mahkota Wilayah, 36 individuals were awarded the Ahli Mahkota Wilayah (AMW) and 68 individuals received the Pingat Pangkuan Mahkota Wilayah (PPW).

-- BERNAMA