SULTAN Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah has reminded civil servants in Kedah to carry out their duties with integrity, dedication, and transparency, free from misconduct or abuse of power.
His Highness emphasised that the empowerment of public administration is vital to ensuring the comprehensive development and wellbeing of the state.
“I hope all civil servants will continue to strengthen their character and demonstrate unwavering commitment in their responsibilities for the prosperity of all,” said the Sultan in his royal address during the Investiture and Honour Awards Ceremony in conjunction with his 83rd birthday celebration at the Balairung Seri Besar, Istana Anak Bukit, on Sunday.
The Sultan expressed appreciation to Kedah's administrative officers, both at the state and federal levels, as well as the security and frontline personnel for their continuous dedication in maintaining the state’s stability.
His Highness also welcomed the state government’s efforts in steering Kedah’s economic development and expressed gratitude for the state’s encouraging investment performance.
“This reflects investors’ confidence in Kedah’s potential as a competitive and stable investment destination.
“However, I must stress that the state’s economic growth must be inclusive and bring direct benefits to the people,” he said.
The Sultan urged strategic focus on high-impact sectors that can generate skilled employment and economic spillovers for the rakyat.
“In line with the aspirations of The Greater Kedah and the Kedah Development Plan 2035, I want small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to be given opportunities to participate in key supply chains in state investment projects,” His Highness added.
Touching on education, the Sultan underscored the need for a holistic early education system that not only focuses on academic excellence but also builds character and leadership.
“Through quality education, we will not only produce outstanding individuals but also citizens capable of nurturing unity and harmony within society,” he said.
He also expressed pride in Kedah’s achievement in winning the Overall Champion title at the 2025 National Al-Quran Recitation and Memorisation Assembly, noting it as a testament to the state’s continued success in strengthening Quranic institutions.
“I wish to see the Darul Aman Al-Quran Institute (IQDAR) further empowered to produce more high-quality huffaz and restore Kedah’s standing as a leading centre of Quranic knowledge,” His Highness stated.
Before concluding his address, Sultan Sallehuddin called on successful Kedahans to give back to the state.
“Let each success be treated not as a personal triumph but as a responsibility to contribute to the advancement of our state.
“I urge successful sons and daughters of Kedah to step forward and give back – whether through zakat, charitable donations, endowments, investments, expertise or social initiatives – for the state’s betterment.
“I believe that if every successful Kedahan contributes, the state will remain prosperous, competitive and respected. This is the spirit of ‘Kedah Sejahtera’ – not merely a slogan, but a shared endeavour,” he said. - June 22, 2025
