Thursday May 22, 2008

Sultan expresses concern over wasteful spending of RM27mil allocation

By DHARMENDER SINGH and CHRISTINA TAN

SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has expressed grave concern over the issue of previous state administration assemblymen spending their RM27mil allocation for this year in a matter of months.

“Efforts to improve efficacy of the state will be meaningless if wastage or inappropriate spending goes on,” he said Wednesday during his speech at the opening of the 12th state legislative assembly here.

On April 15, Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu was quoted as saying that the 54 Barisan Nasional assemblymen in the previous state administration finished their combined annual allocation of RM27mil for 2008 in the first 50 days of the year.

The Sultan also said he wanted more aggressive efforts and for rules to be relaxed to attract more foreign and Malaysian investors to the state.

Sultan Sharafuddin said he also hoped the state government would continue to emphasise on holistic rather that examination-orientated education and increase vocational courses for those with SPM and STPM qualifications.

Royal presence: The Sultan greeting Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh at the Selangor State Assembly session Wednesday. Teng (left) and Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San look on.

The Sultan hoped to see no hardcore poor in the state by the end this year and reminded the state government to continue to help the poor, regardless of race.

On development projects, he called for an end to development on Level 3 and 4 highlands, as well as the clearing of jungles and open burning, adding that he wanted at least 30% of green areas retained.

Sultan Sharafuddin also expressed concern over the rising crime rate in the state.

He said local governments should ensure roads and drains were in good condition, towns were always clean, waste management was efficient and streetlights functioned properly.

He also expressed concern over the spread of deviant teachings in the state and wanted stern action taken against those using mosques and surau for political activities.

Speaking to reporters later, Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said he was glad that the Sultan expressed faith in the Pakatan Rakyat government and the leaders would do their best to serve the people well.

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