Royal presence: Sultan Sharafuddin inspecting a guard of honours before the opening of the second session of the 15th Selangor Legislative Assembly at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor. — Bernama
SHAH ALAM: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has reminded the state’s civil servants to buck up and ensure that services are efficiently and promptly delivered to the public.
In his Royal address at the opening of the second session of the 15th Selangor Legislative Assembly here yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin reminded them to also cut red tape and make things easy for the people.
“I want bureaucratic red tape and troublesome regulations in government matters to be reduced immediately. There has to be a sense of urgency and quick action in ensuring that services related to the people are delivered quickly and well,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
The Sultan advised Selangor’s civil servants to embark on a paradigm shift in carrying out their duties.
“I don’t want civil servants to be careless and lazy until it results in delays and problems for development projects,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
The Ruler cited flood mitigation and upgrades to public amenities as examples of projects that have not been implemented yet.
Sultan Sharafuddin said he was worried that if civil servants remained in the same mindset, the people would continue to be burdened.
His Highness also asked the local councils to look into having non-politicians as councillors.
“I would like to remind the local authorities to once again implement my suggestion for at least 50% of councillors to be professionals and that (the positions) not be monopolised by politicians.
“It is hoped that the people’s problems and complaints can be better handled through the initiative of going down to the ground to see the problems faced by the people.
“I want the local authorities and departments that render service directly to the people, such as the Public Works Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department, and others, to ensure that public assets are well-maintained,” Sultan Sharafuddin said.
The Ruler added this included roads, drains, and lifts in public buildings, as well as sports and recreational facilities.
“I will continue to monitor and observe the civil servants and the quality of public services in Selangor in line with the mottos ‘Pertahan dan Setia Kepada Agama Islam’ (Defend and be Loyal to Islam) and ‘Berkhidmat Kepada Rakyat dan Negara’ (Service to the People and Country).On another matter, the Ruler said he hoped all the initiatives outlined in the First Selangor Plan would be implemented within the stipulated time frame.
Sultan Sharafuddin also said although Selangor had sufficient treated water to meet the people’s needs, there had to be preparation to meet the challenges brought about by climate change, such as dry spells.
“Awareness to use water wisely is still very low until it has caused domestic (water) usage to be high, at an estimated 215 litres per person per day.
“Hence, I urge the people to collectively use water carefully and wisely and to increase water supplies,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
Sultan Sharafuddin also reminded the state’s 56 lawmakers to debate responsibly and with integrity and not to be mired in slander, sensitive issues and false news.
His Highness said the debate sessions must always be harmonious and fair to all.
“I would like to remind the Speaker and the members of the Selangor Assembly to act with tolerance towards each other and concentrate on matters that benefit the people and the development of the state,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
The Ruler also emphasised that mosques and suraus in the state must continue to foster peace and abstain from disputes and disagreements.
“God’s house is a place for Muslims to pray, seek solace, cleanse their souls, and strengthen camaraderie amongst the community,” said Sultan Sharafuddin, adding that elements which cause enmity and division must be avoided.
