Move to limit CM’s post to two terms

New Chief Minister Adly Zahariu (seated) at Seri Negeri Melaka after taking oath ceremony at Gavenor Office Seri Negeri Melaka on May 11.

MELAKA: To implement good governance and ensure the state government effectively fulfills its responsibilities for the well-being of the people, two initiatives will be implemented, said Chief Minister Adly Zahari.

He said one was to limit the office of the Chief Minister to two terms and the other was to set up a Melaka Competency, Accountability and Transparency (Melcat) committee.

Adly said the initiatives would potentially pave the way for more strategies to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the state government in fulfilling the mandate given by the people.

He added that Melcat aims to gauge the state government’s structure, including the effectiveness of state executive councillors, government departments, agencies and even the Chief Minister.

He said grouses and criticisms could be channeled for discussion at the higher level, similar to a public hearing, and that the proposed Melcat would be tabled at the State Legislative Assembly and chaired by a state assemblyman who may call for public hearings to investigate any arising issues. 

It is learnt that Melcat will also be a platform for locals to raise issues like indiscriminate sand reclamation projects.

State Industry, Trade and Investment Committee chairman Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen said a host of sea reclamation projects in the historic city would come under close scrutiny.

He said these reclamation projects would be re-evaluated, especially the environmental and social impact of coastal development.

“There are various aspects that have to be looked into such as the disruption of the aqua food chain due to sediment in the water which threatens the survival of marine life,” he said.

Mohd Rafiq said the loss of the coastal eco-system should be considered before a decision was made on whether to continue with the reclamation projects.

“We are using a proven mechanism to re-look at the projects that were approved by the previous state government,” he said.