IPOH – Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah today called on the appointed state leaders to fulfill their responsibilities with sincerity, honesty, fairness and impartiality in accordance with the constitution and the law.
His Highness said they should be fair and just in allocating resources and development programmes, and there should be no prejudice, discrimination and suppression against any party.
“The people should not be punished to bear any hardship. Instead, the spirit of democracy must be upheld, and the interests and welfare of every common citizen should be in the hearts of leaders as a perpetual priority,” he said when officiating at the First Year of the 15th Perak Legislative Assembly ceremony at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building here today.
Also present was Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.
Earlier, Sultan Nazrin inspected a guard of honour mounted by three officers and 102 members of the 1st Battalion of the General Operations Force led by Mohamad Rafizul Rosdi and flag bearer Mohd Al-Hakim Al-Bakhri, accompanied by the Royal Malaysian Air Force Academy Band.
He said the state’s population stands at 2.5 million, comprising 61.5% Malays and Bumiputera, 26.7% Chinese, and 11.3% Indians who observe various beliefs, inherit diverse cultures and are proficient in multiple languages.
As such, the ruler said extreme views on ethnicity and religion which incite hatred and potentially provoke hostility among citizens must be stopped.
“Firm and immediate action must be taken to stop activities whether through speech or actions, that poison minds and fan negative emotions by exploiting differences in ethnicity and religion,” he said.
Sultan Nazrin said political stability is the determinant of economic recovery and development and the state government will commit itself to ensuring a stable political environment.
“The people require efficient economic governance to enable the resumption of economic activity. They desire a government that is capable and energetic in administering the state’s affairs, and skillful and wise in managing state resources, preventing pilferage and avoiding waste.
“The people want a transparent and trustworthy government, free from corruption and breach of trust,” he added.
Sultan Nazrin said the state government needs to listen and understand the people’s concerns, such as unemployment, high living cost, food insecurity, environmental sustainability, education, healthcare, housing as well as ensuring quality public relations and digital communication.
As such, he said it is crucial for the state to work with the federal government to implement strategic measures that create a favourable investment climate, increase employment opportunities, address the cost of living, ensure food security, and improve social facilities and services.
“Given the uncertain global economic environment and the high debt burden, the state will channel spending to prioritised initiatives that provide direct benefits to the people, and follow strict thrift measures to reduce wasteful spending.
“Our government will fully consider the 15th general election’s key message, which is the rejection of corrupt practices, financial leakages, abuse of power, and breach of trust,” added His Highness. – Bernama, December 20, 2022
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