Malaysia King makes historic visit to Singapore Parliament during sitting

SINGAPORE: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, graced the session of Singapore’s Parliament on Tuesday (7 May) at noon.

This marked the first time a Malaysian monarch visited Parliament during a session.

Upon their arrival at 12:10 pm, Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng announced the royal entourage’s presence and extended a warm welcome to the Chamber.”

In his welcoming speech, the Speaker commended His Majesty’s endeavours in enhancing collaborations, particularly amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“His Majesty is no stranger to Singapore. He has always been an ardent supporter of bringing our people closer together.”

“Under his reign as the Sultan of Johor, a partnership with Johor has strengthened. This was specifically evident during the Covid-19 pandemic when we worked closely together to keep supplying lines across the land borders open.”

The speaker highlighted the recognition of His Majesty’s achievements by the National University of Singapore, which conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during his official visit in 2022.

The speaker extolled His Majesty’s diverse talents and extensive experiences. He emphasized that His Majesty received training across all the military and held positions as an army, naval, and Air Force officer.

The speaker further highlighted His Majesty’s qualifications as a certified helicopter pilot, a commander, and a distinguished statesman.

He expressed confidence that His Majesty’s visit would further fortify bilateral relations between Singapore and Malaysia, particularly in light of significant upcoming milestones such as the Centennial celebration and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The King is currently on a State Visit to Singapore from 6 to 7 May 2024, at the invitation of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

This marks His Majesty’s inaugural overseas State Visit.

His Majesty is accompanied by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, Malaysian Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, and senior officials.

Yesterday, His Majesty held discussions with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, during which President Tharman expressed optimism about elevating bilateral relations to a higher level of cooperation and friendship with the King’s steadfast support and leadership.

During a toast speech at the Istana, President Tharman underscored the agreements reached in 2023 between the two countries to bolster cooperation in various areas including trade, investment, green economy, and digital payments.

President Tharman further mentioned that through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, both nations are exploring avenues to enhance cross-border connectivity and collaborate on renewable energy initiatives for mutual benefit.

In his address, the King emphasized the special bond shared between Malaysia and Singapore, rooted in their common history, culture, and robust economic ties.

Reflecting on economic policies, the King stressed the importance of consistency for attracting long-term investors, essential for sustained economic growth.

He extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Lee, whom he regarded as a close friend of Johor and Malaysia, praising his dedication and vision in fostering closer cooperation and shaping a brighter future. Additionally, the King congratulated Deputy Prime Minister Wong on his impending succession.

His Majesty was proclaimed as the Sultan of Johor in 2010 and later ascended to the esteemed position of Malaysia’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in January.

The rotational system unique to Malaysia involves the election of a king among the nine Malay rulers at the Conference of Rulers, setting the nation apart as the only one practising such a system globally.