by Afix Redzuan
SHAH ALAM, Feb 28 — Selangor has to be able to identify opportunities and work hard to achieve the best outcome for the development of the state and the wellbeing of the people, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
Acknowledging the economic challenges faced following the ongoing trade war and the recent Covid-19 virus outbreak, Amirudin said more efforts have to be put in to achieve high revenue collection, citing the state’s recorded revenue in 2015 of RM 2.53 billion as an example.
“2020 is a very important year for the state administration. It is time to create a slightly different image from the past 10 years while continuing the existing policies such as openness, accountability, efficiency, transparency and other pro-reform policies.
“It is time to educate the people and change our stance and paradigm in order to be more competitive, especially in the midst of political instability as well as economic turmoil in the region,” said Amiruddin in his address at the Selangor state assembly members’ retreat in Bandung, Indonesia, held from February 23 to 26.
Amirudin added that it is important to take into account the short- and middle-term plans in the clustering and realignment policy in providing public infrastructure and facilities that would benefit the people.
“As for long-term planning, it should not only be up to five years but also 10 years ahead… if possible, it should be combined with the Public Transport Master Plan and the Environmental Master Plan… so that the economic plannings would be the backbone of the state’s economy,” he said.
