By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, June 19 — Selangor is in a far better position today than it was when Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari first took over the state government in 2018, the Menteri Besar said today ahead of the upcoming election.
Speaking at a special press conference in conjunction with the five-year anniversary of his administration, Amirudin said the past demi-decade is testament to the ability of the current state lineup in ensuring progress and overcoming challenges.
Among other things, he pointed out how his administration had succeeded in dealing with various trials and tribulations, including the Covid-19 pandemic, political instability as a result of the infamous Sheraton Move in 2020, and the economic downturn.
Despite these, he noted that Selangor had recorded 5 per cent in economic growth, increased its state reserve and remained a key contributor to the nation’s gross domestic product.
The state also played a crucial role in ensuring victory at the federal level during the last general election, he added.
“Thank god, with the spirit of Kita Selangor, we managed to rise and prove that this administration is one that is tried, tested and proven in defending the people’s interest,” he said, here today.
“When I speak to the rakyat, I am confident Selangor is in a far better place and more developed compared to when this administration took power in May 2018.“
Asked to name a policy which he felt was the most crucial during his administration of the state, Amirudin, who is state Pakatan Harapan chairman, said it was the First Selangor Plan (RS1) unveiled last July.
He said the five-year plan was proof that the administration had proper planning drawn up based on facts and figures.
Beyond this, Amirudin said crisis management was another major highlight of his government, which ensured Selangor remained Malaysia’s main economic contributor.
Another highlight, he said, was the implementation of various welfare programmes to assist those in need, including in the education sector.
“I believe these three (policies) are among the main success stories, apart from the affordable housing projects, Raw Water Guarantee Scheme, and Sg Rasau water treatment plant, to name a few.
“I think if we list them all, (former menteri besar) Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali would be too tired to read them,” he said in jest, in reference to his former mentor-cum-rival.
Additionally, while acknowledging that there were some weaknesses during his five-year tenure, Amirudin said the state government was quick to respond to these and ensured that all issues were resolved accordingly.
This included backlash over the degazetting of 54 per cent, or 536.7 hectares, of the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve in 2021, which was subsequently re-gazetted about a year later.
“This episode showed the credibility of the state administration. We always stand by our principles,” he said.
