KUALA LUMPUR – Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has lauded Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad’s effort to practise leadership that is inclusive of the state opposition, after he had decreed during the latter’s swearing-in ceremony for parties to minimise political disputes.
In his royal address at the opening of the state assembly today, Sultan Nazrin said that by engaging with the opposition and tapping into their ideas, Umno’s Saarani, who is the Kota Tampan assemblyman, had been able to deal with the pandemic and the resulting economic woes more effectively.
“Responding to the decree, the Right Honourable Menteri Besar when tabling the 2021 Budget, announced an even allocation for all 59 members of the state assembly, regardless of whether the members are from the opposition or the ruling party,” said the sultan.
He further stressed that in a country like Malaysia, which practises constitutional monarchy coupled with parliamentary democracy, the state assembly plays a vital role in strengthening democratic practices, as well as providing checks and balances to the executive branch, particularly in reviewing, debating, and approving the state’s expenditure.
The ruler also took note of the fact that Saarani had invited all members of the house, including Pakatan Harapan (PH) reps, to attend meetings of district-level development action committees, focus group committees, and management committees.
This, in turn, allowed all assemblymen from both sides of the political divide to participate directly and constructively, and formulate governance that meets the needs of the people more effectively and meaningfully.
“The move pioneered by the Right Honourable Menteri Besar is a courageous move, setting a precedent for the state administration.
“It may well be a small initial step, but this small step, if nurtured, will be the stepping stone to a new and superior political culture that is less confrontational in nature.
“Every member of the House should welcome the move through a reciprocal attitude and appreciate this new culture by embodying a mature political spirit of teamwork, mutual respect and helping each other with the efforts undertaken in the interest of the state and the people.
“This is in addition to working together to cultivate the spirit of unity and citizenship among those of various races, those who profess various religions, those who practise various cultures, and those who master various languages,” said Sultan Nazrin.
The ruler reminded lawmakers that the assembly also serves as an avenue for the people to voice their concerns and lamentations to their elected representatives, who bear the responsibility of the mandate given to them by their voters.
At the national level, newly minted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has also taken steps to immediately engage members of the federal opposition, after receiving a similar decree to minimise political disputes when the Yang di-Pertuan Agong met with party leaders to ascertain who commands the majority in the Dewan Rakyat.
In his inaugural speech after his swearing-in ceremony, Ismail Sabri, who is Umno vice-president and Bera MP, had invited opposition leaders to join him in the National Recovery Council and bring Malaysia out of its pandemic and economic crisis.
However, a day later, he said the opposition will not be part of his cabinet. – The Vibes, August 25, 2021
