By Ida Nadirah Ibrahim
SHAH ALAM, March 16 — Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has urged state representatives against disrupting the political stability in the state and instead focus on serving the people.
He said some politicians were seen to have neglected their responsibility towards the people and continue to tirelessly argue on political issues.
In facing the present global economic crisis as well as the recent Covid-19 outbreak, the Selangor Ruler said the state representatives must focus on the people of Selangor to ensure a better livelihood for the people.
“As we all know, people are now living in a difficult time with the rising cost of living due to the recession of the world economy, the weakening ringgit, declining employment opportunities causing unemployment, and most recently the Covid-19 global outbreak.
“The livelihood of the people would be guaranteed through the development of ideas and policies that could stimulate sustainable economic growth, not by fighting over power and position. The elected representatives must serve the people to ensure their prosperity,” Sultan Sharafuddin said in his royal address at the opening of the first meeting of the third term of the 14th state legislative assembly sitting, here today.
Following the recent political development at the federal level, Sultan Sharafuddin had dismissed claims that the formation of the Perikatan Nasional administration is a backdoor government and hard ordered for the public to stop the narrative.
He said this was because the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had exercised his discretion and authority in accordance with the Federal Constitution.
“Although Selangor is led by Pakatan Harapan, I hope to see a close working relationship between the state and Federal government for the sake of Selangor’s economic development and prosperity.
“I hope the difference in governments and political ideologies would not sideline the people of Selangor from the current economic and social development.
Though acknowledging that the monarchs should stay above politics, Sultan Sharafuddinsaid it is his responsibility as ruler of the state to advise the state assemblymen from acting irresponsibly.
The Selangor Ruler had also thanked the authorities — the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysia Police, and Fire and Rescue Department — who have been on the frontline in maintaining national security and keeping the public safe.
Earlier, the opening session of the sitting at the annexe of the state secretariat building was cancelled due to Covid-19.
As a precautionary measure against the new coronavirus, health checks were conducted on those entering the building, including the state assemblymen.
