By Danial Dzulkifly
IN a political landscape fraught with religious and racial rhetoric, newly-appointed Selangor state executive councillor Datuk Rizam Ismail faces the daunting challenge of uniting diverse voices to maintain unity in the nation’s wealthiest state.
Following the Selangor state elections on August 12, the state government has, for the first time, forged an alliance with Barisan Nasional (BN), which is in line with the Unity Government agreement established at the Federal level.
Rizam, who is also the Sungai Air Tawar state assemblyman, has been put in charge of rural development, unity and consumer affairs and has acknowledged the heavy duty of mending political and social division within the state.
Eager to make a mark, the former Selangor Opposition chief revealed that the state government is in the process of introducing a new state-wide policy called ‘Rumpun Selangor’, or RMS, which will feature a number of programmes and initiatives.
The primary focus of the policy is to empower local communities and bridge the divides that have become more pronounced in recent times.
“The essence of Rumpun Selangor is to cultivate a sense of belonging among the residents of Selangor, irrespective of their religious or racial background,” Rizam said in a recent interview with Selangor Journal.
He believes that with the right approach and strategies, the state can serve as a model for national unity.
While details of the programmes under RMS are still under wraps, Rizam hinted at collaboration with community leaders, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure its success.
He said a central tenet of the Rumpun Selangor policy is the restructuring of organisations within local kampungs, which is set to enhance cohesion and ensure that state government initiatives are effectively delivered to their intended beneficiaries.
“It’s not just about policies or regulations, but about touching the hearts and minds of our people.
“We must understand and celebrate our differences rather than letting them divide us.
Selangor has become the benchmark for Malaysia as its citizens are of all the different races and groups in the country.
“So it is crucial for us to be a model state for unity,” he said.
Rizam stressed that it is the government’s duty to educate and increase awareness about its initiatives, policies, and vital socioeconomic shifts aimed at enhancing the living standards of its citizens.
“The challenge we now face is the imperativeness of consistently informing the public about the current economic challenges and the importance of collective action.
“It’s futile to indulge in political rhetoric if it doesn’t translate to tangible benefits for the people,” he said, referring to some members of the opposition who often use rhetoric for political gain.
He underscored that RMS’ policy will not be a top-down effort but will hinge on the active engagement and collective determination of every resident in Selangor.
Check and balance
Delving further into his concerns about excessive politicking, Rizam voiced his hope that the opposition coalition, Perikatan National (PN), would adopt a constructive role and has urged that they serve as a genuine check and balance to the state government rather than indulge in political theatrics.
“I’m aware that PN has unveiled a shadow executive councillor line-up. It’s a sound strategy, and any responsible government would welcome constructive opposition.
“However, I sincerely hope they prioritise their crucial role as a check and balance instead of descending into political games,” he said.
Rizam said the current political landscape might seem more divisive due to the so-called ‘greenwave’ — a term coined by political observers to describe alleged Malay discontent towards the Unity Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Yet, Rizam remains relatively unfazed, noting that public sentiment is fluid and often shifts with the prevailing mood but acknowledges the challenges and responsibilities faced by the Unity Government in navigating a complex political landscape.
“I must emphasise again the importance of the Unity Government, both at state and Federal levels, in educating and raising awareness about our policies.
“This approach is not only more constructive but also a responsible measure to ensure the public truly benefits from these initiatives,” he said.
BN’s return
Despite the hurdles presented by the alleged greenwave and the surging popularity of PN, Rizam, along with Dusun Tua assemblyman Datuk Johan Abdul Aziz, stand as the two elected representatives in Selangor from BN.
Their wins mark a notable comeback for the coalition, which lost its majority in the state elections 15 years ago in 2008.
However, Rizam emphasises that since independence, Selangor has reaped the benefits of BN’s policies and expressed his determination to advocate for enhanced policies, continue the legacy of sound governance, and align the strategies between the state and the Federal government.
“My current task involves drafting new policies. Selangor requires more refined strategies on top of what previous state administrations have accomplished.
“With the state and Federal governments now aligned, it’s imperative that the state continues sustainable growth and robustly contributes to the national economy,” he said.
This article first appeared in the Selangor Journal monthly October 2023 edition, published on October 7, 2023.
