By Amar Shah Mohsen
KLANG, Aug 21 — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, has expressed his desire to see Selangor rise to its former glory days before he passes on.
In a special address following the swearing-in of the state menteri besar and executive council members, His Royal Highness said it is his priority that the newly-appointed state government addresses all issues faced by the rakyat immediately, particularly in relation to infrastructure and development.
Among other things, he said the administration should focus on the longstanding issue of flooding in Selangor, and stressed on the need to expedite the implementation of short, medium and long-term solutions to resolve the problem.
While acknowledging the state’s economic achievements, the ruler reminded that this would mean little if issues faced by the public are not properly addressed.
“Enough of politicking. The people are tired, I am tired. Wake up all honourable members, think about the future of the country, state and our future generations. Make Selangor great again like the glorious years of not long ago.
“I’m turning 78 this year, and it is my hope and dream that before I shut my eyes for good, I get to see Selangor rise again and move forward from all angles,” he said today at the Balairung Seri, Istana Alam Shah, here.
“This includes in terms of physical and spiritual development, strong economic growth, and unity among our multiracial citizens, where the people live comfortably and with prosperity.”
Sultan Sharafuddin also took issue with the state’s declining performance in the aspects of investments and exports value to the ignorance of office bearers.
In particular, he said Selangor currently lacks behind states like Penang, Johor and Sarawak on these fronts.
“You (appointed leaders) ought to realise this fact and reality. Immediate measures must be taken to avoid the issue from continuing to affect Selangor’s reputation as the country’s top economic contributor.
“I harbour high hopes that you will provide excellent services to the public by going to the ground to see for yourselves the state of development being planned and those currently underway.
His Royal Highness also reminded all post-holders to carry out their responsibilities with integrity and to stay clear of corruption and power abuse.
Separately, the Selangor Ruler stressed on the importance for the Selangor administration to come up with fresh ideas and approaches in developing a progressive state, while prioritising harmony.
“The government needs to practise wisdom in its administration, besides ensuring smooth implementation of policies.
“These require quick decisions by reducing bureaucracy, which can be burdensome to the rakyat when they are dealing with the government.”
Earlier this morning, Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari was sworn in as menteri besar for the second term.
Later, 10 state assemblymen took their oath of office as members of the Selangor state executive council.
They are Kinrara assemblyman Ng Sze Han, Izham Hashim (Pandan Indah), Borhan Aman Shah (Tanjong Sepat), Najwan Halimi (Kota Anggerik), Fahmi Ngah (Seri Setia), Ng Suee Lim (Sekinchan), Jamaliah Jamaluddin (Bandar Utama), V. Papparaidu (Banting), Anfaal Saari (Taman Templer), and Datuk Rizam Ismail (Sungai Air Tawar).
