Khir: Developed status should spur others on

KLANG: The big push forward that helped Selangor attain developed status was also intended to spur other states on, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said.  

“We used it as a goal to improve our social and economic standing. We also wanted to be the impetus for other states to aim higher to help meet national objectives,'' he said when taking his oath of allegiance to Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, in conjunction with the ruler’s 60th birthday celebrations, at Istana Alam Shah here yesterday. 

“The state wishes to thank the Sultan for his sound leadership, and join the people in expressing loyalty to him,'' added Dr Khir. 

The mentri besar also pledged not to sacrifice good values and overlook the people's interest while pursuing progress for the state. 

DOUBLE JOY: Rosmah waiting to cut the ‘pulut kuning’ to celebrate her birthday after receivingher award in Klang yesterday. With her are Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Najib’s brother DatukJohari Razak (third left) and wife Datin Zeila Junid and Ong (behind Najib).

Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Bainun, who was awarded the Darjah Kerabat Yang Amat Dihormati (DK1), heads the list of 110 award recipients.  

Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, was awarded the Darjah Kebesaran Seri Paduka Mahkota Selangor (SPMS). 

Tuanku Bainun and Tengku Amir Shah will be presented with their awards at a ceremony to be held later. 

Among the 105 people who received their awards from Sultan Sharafuddin yesterday were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who was the other recipient of the SPMS, which carries the title Datuk Seri for men and Datin Paduka Seri for women. 

The others included Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, who is the MCA president, and Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said (Darjah Kebesaran – Datuk Paduka Mahkota Selangor; DPMS, which carries the title Datuk for men and Datin Paduka for women), and Yayasan Budi Penyayang trustee Kamaluddin Abdullah and Star Publications (M) Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Steven Tan Kok Hiang (Darjah Kebesaran Datuk - Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah; DSIS, which carries the title Datuk for men and Datin Paduka for women).