Selangor Journal

Dawn of New Era- The Legacy Continues

June 19 2018 heralded a new Menteri Besar for Selangor. The young and vibrant Amirudin Shari is the successor to Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali who now helms the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Selangor Journal had the opportunity to interview the Menteri Besar on his hopes and direction in leading Malaysia’s golden state.

Dato’ Menteri Besar, Tuan Haji Amirudin Shari started his career in politics at the tender age of 18 having discovered his passion for politics in the twist and turns of the Reformasi 98 movement, an event that he diligently followed and kept abreast throughout his student years.

The then 18 year-old entered UPM to pursue his degree, and decided to join a few student movements where he met people who shared the same interest in politics. “My first taste of politics was with (Keadilan Youth Movement) Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK), where I was elected as the EXCO of AMK in charge of the student affairs bureau,” says Amirudin.

In 2007, Amirudin,  who by then  had risen up the ranks in AMK, was elected as the Vice Chief of AMK. He rose further in the political scene to the position of Executive Secretary of Parti KEADILAN Rakyat Selangor two years later. He is currently a Member of the Central Leadership Committee of the party. Continuing the legacy from the previous administration has always been the focal aim for the new Menteri Besar of Selangor.

“Dato’ Seri Azmin Ali has left Selangor with economic stability, various people centric programmes and most importantly a government of integrity and trust. It is my honour to continue this legacy and spur Selangor to greater heights,” says Amirudin.

 

 

Having a predecessor of the calibre of Dato’ Seri Azmin Ali might be seen as a burden, but for Amirudin, he feels blessed to be the former Selangor Menteri Besar’s successor and to carry on the strong fundamentals  already set in place. Amirudin believes that hard work is the key to success and will strive to give 200% for this beloved state of Selangor Darul Ehsan.

When asked on the steps being taken to ensure the state’s continuous growth, Amirudin replied that there are five main areas that he would like to focus on.

These are providing for the people of Selangor affordable homes, an effective transportation system,  an integrated health care system, creating an environmentally friendly state and last but not least, creating quality high-income jobs for the people. “I believe that these are the main areas which will help boost economic growth and ensure the well-being of the state and its people well taken care of.”

Maintaining the economic stability and boosting the growth of the economy is one of the challenges faced by Amirudin. Be that as it may, he believes that Selangor will be a key player in the Southeast Asia region apart from being the economic powerhouse of Malaysia. “The Regional Smart State motto will be the key to push Selangor to greater heights both in the domestic and international scenes,” he says.

Going for on site visits and attending various briefings from all relevant authorities such as state government  officers, district officers and also government linked company (GLC) office bearers in Selangor is Amirudin’s modus operandi in identifying areas that can be improved on for the state and the people. “This is important as it will help me to understand the current state of affairs in Selangor,”  he says, adding that he plans to visit all nine districts in Selangor as well as monitor the performance of various development projects in the state.

Inisiatif Peduli Rakyat is the hallmark of Pakatan Rakyat’s 14th General Election Campaign. Thus, people-centric policies will be Amirudin’s main priority. “In each corner of the country, the success stories of Selangor are relayed to the people and this is one of the biggest factors in Pakatan Harapan’s majestic victory on the 9th of May 2018. I intend to continue and improve the effectiveness of this initiative.”

At the moment, Amirudin’s prime focus will be centred on the areas previously identified to be the main priority of his administration. Meanwhile, the young Dato’ Menteri Besar will also continue various programmes and people-centric policies which benefit the people of Selangor. “It is my responsibility to make sure Selangor continues to be one of the main contributors to Malaysia’s GDP.”

Amirudin hopes that the people of Selangor will continue to place their trust in this government to deliver its promises come 2019. “The 2019 Selangor State Budget is due in October and I believe that this administration will continue to place the well-being of the state and the welfare of its people as the top priority,” he says.

“I have also met with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed and Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia respectively to discuss various collaborations between the Federal and State governments. Both of them agreed on enhancing the economic growth and positioning Selangor as the main economic hub of Malaysia.”

According to Amirudin, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir has reiterated his desire to help Selangor to solve the water issue. To Amirudin, this is a major example on how fruitful partnership between the Federal and State governments can help benefit the people of Selangor.

“In my acceptance speech, I have mentioned that the spirit of camaraderie will be the main strength of this administration,” says Amirudin, adding that his administration will continue to serve the rakyat regardless of their political ideology, race, religion and age.

Believing in ‘esprit de corps’ as the key to success, Amirudin hopes to work with the component members of Pakatan Harapan in Selangor to ensure that the huge mandate given by the people in GE 14 is fulfilled, hoping that the rakyat can work hand in hand with him to achieve greater success for the state of Selangor Darul Ehsan.

“People of Selangor are the stakeholders of this state. Therefore they need not worry as I will continue to strive my best and return the wealth of Selangor to its people. We will continue to serve as the government of the people, by the people and for the people of Selangor Darul Ehsan.”

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