By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Feb 27 — Sultan Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj has told the state civil servants to avoid carelessness and laziness at work, and urged them to have a sense of urgency in their service to the public.
His Royal Highness cited the delays in several infrastructural projects as examples of negligence and laziness among the civil service which have affected the people.
“I do not want carelessness and laziness to continue among civil servants, leading to development projects facing delays or problems. For instance, flood mitigation projects and public facility restoration projects that have not been implemented promptly.
“I am deeply concerned if such attitudes and habits persist among civil servants, the people will continue to bear the consequences,” Sultan Sharafuddin said in his royal address during the opening of the First Meeting of the Second Term of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly today.
His Royal Highness emphasised the need for the state’s civil servants to act swiftly in addressing public concerns, including improving government operations by cutting red tape.
“I urge civil servants in Selangor to take this opportunity and undergo a paradigm shift in their approach to every task and responsibility entrusted to them.
“There needs to be a sense of urgency and immediate action to ensure that services related to the people are resolved swiftly and efficiently,” said the Ruler.
Meanwhile, the Sultan reiterated the importance of appointing professionals to fill at least 50 per cent of councillors in local authorities to ensure that politicians do not monopolise the positions.
“With this measure, I hope that addressing the people’s concerns and complaints will be more effective by going down to the ground to observe the challenges encountered by the people,” said His Royal Highness.
On February 5, Sultan Sharafuddin proposed the local councillors of the newly-established Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) include professionals in at least 50 per cent of its ranks, as it can help enhance the city’s governance and development efficiently and effectively.
“I want local authorities and departments responsible for directly providing services to the people, like the Public Works Department, the Irrigation and Drainage Department, and others, to ensure that public facility maintenance is carried out effectively,” said the Sultan.
The Ruler said this includes repairs to damaged roads, clearing blocked drains, maintenance of elevators in public and residential buildings, and upkeep of sports and recreational facilities.
“I will continue to monitor and observe the conduct of public servants and the quality of public services in Selangor in line with the motto ‘Pertahan dan Setia Kepada Agama Islam’ (Defend and be Loyal to Islam) and ‘Berkhidmat Kepada Rakyat dan Negara’ (Service to the People and Country),” His Royal Highness added.
