Royal address: Tunku Ismail giving his speech during the opening of the state assembly in Bangunan Sultan Ismail, Kota Iskandar.
ISKANDAR PUTERI: All the Yang Berhormat in Johor must not turn the state assembly into a battleground to pursue their political interests, says Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
“Do not make fighting a norm and turn this assembly into a laughing stock.
“Instead, the state assembly serves as a platform to discuss policies, enact laws and most importantly, champion the welfare and well-being of the people of Johor,” he said in his speech during the opening of the state legislative assembly meeting yesterday.
He said that harmony, which has been a tradition of the Johor state assembly, should be maintained.
“Each of you have been elected to serve the people. So, please focus on that responsibility.
“The people of Johor need assemblymen who are accountable and effective in serving them.
“They want assemblymen who can help drive the state’s development and improve the people’s standard of living,” he said.
On a separate matter, Tunku Ismail said the authorities must take stern action against those who continue to dump rubbish illegally.
“I am upset to hear and see for myself that there are still irresponsible parties that throw rubbish into rivers.
“This should not happen. This kind of behaviour burdens the government, which is forced to spend public money on cleanup efforts.
“These funds should have been used for development purposes,” he said.
He added that the state government and federal agencies should work together to address the issue and deter the public from throwing rubbish indiscriminately.
“I decree that the state government, together with the relevant authorities, sit together and draw up strict punishments for individuals or parties who continue to carelessly dispose of rubbish into rivers or in any other location,” he said.
Tunku Ismail reminded the tourism sector to always maintain cleanliness and avoid behaviour that could disrupt the ecosystem of tourist sites.
“Johor is lucky to have a natural environment that is beautiful, as well as heritage buildings with the potential to become tourist attractions.
“To ensure the success of the tourism industry, the state government must upgrade existing infrastructure and promote all tourism products more aggressively,” he added.
