KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 — Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V today expressed disappointment on the occurrence of fraud, corruption, leakages and leaks of government information involving government officials and former civil servants.

His Majesty said although only a handful were involved in such activities, it had eroded the people's trust in the government.

"As such I welcome the move to bring those involved to justice.

"The people must also give support by not being involved as the ones who offer bribery or possess unauthorised classified documents,” he said when speaking at the official opening of the first meeting of the fifth session of the 13th Parliament here today.

Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia and Dewan Negara Speaker Datuk Seri SA Vigneswaran, cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, Dewan Negara Senators, dignitaries and invited guests.

His Majesty also expressed his appreciation on the success of the Royal Malaysia Police in reducing the crime rate, combating radicalism and heresies and militant ideology that are in conflict with the Sunnah belief in the country.

"Not forgeting the Malaysian Armed Forced which plays a very important role in safeguarding the country's security without us relasing their sacrifices for the sake of our beloved homeland.

"I and the government will continue to strengthen both these security forces,” he said, adding that the government intended to increase its acquisition of equipment and vehicles, looking after the welfare such as providing quarters and so on.

Sultan Muhammad V also welcomed the government's move to deploy additional security assets and facilities such as helicopter forward operation base or "Sea Basing” in the waters of Sabah east coast to beef up security in the area concerned.

The cooperation and mutual understanding that had been reached with the government of the Philippines on security in the Sulu sea had further enhanced bilateral ties between the two countries, especially in the field of security, he said.

Touching on the economic situation to ensure the country's financial position continues to be strong, he said the government was committed to continue fiscal consolidation measures to achieve a balanced budget target by 2020.

"Hence the government will continue to strive to take concrete steps to further increase the size of the economy from RM1.3 trillion at present to RM2 trillion within the next seven to eight years.

"In addition to the long term, the government will also strive to make Malaysia among the 20 major world economies,” said His Majesty.

He also said the depreciation of the ringgit against the currencies of major countries had affected the people but it was caused by internal and external factors.

"I believe the government is fully committed to resolve this problem as soon as possible,” he said.

On measures to ease the burden of the people, particularly the B40 income group (lowest 40 per cent) and M40 (middle 40 per cent), he was confident various initiatives were generated, including the provision of targeted subsidies, improving rates and diversifying the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M), assistance to small traders and others.

On house ownership for target groups, His Majesty said so far 77.1 per cent out of the targeted one million affordable houses to be built between 2013 and 2018 was now at the implementation stage, including those which were completed.

He said the government also planned to build 10,000 housing units for the youth (M40) called Affordable Houses for youths which is expected to begin this year with 5,000 units by the federal government in Kuala Lumpur.

In addition, Sultan Muhammad V also stressed the government would also amend the Bankrupcy Act 1967 to give a second chance to the bankrupt to start a new life and continue to contribute to the country's economy.

He also commended the government's emphasis on infrastructure and public

transport development, especially rail-based like the High-speed Rail project, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), east coast rail route and extension of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) route to enhance the people's mobility and communications. — Bernama

MORE TO COME