Photo: Bernama
SHAH ALAM: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has reminded the state's civil servants to improve their service to the people.
In his royal address at the opening of the state legislative assembly meeting here on Tuesday (Feb 27), His Royal Highness reminded them to be efficient and make things easy for the public.
"I want bureaucratic red tape and troublesome regulations in government matters to be reduced immediately.
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"There has to be a sense of urgency and quick action in ensuring services related to the people are settled quickly and well," said Sultan Sharafuddin.
The Sultan advised Selangor's civil servants to undergo a paradigm shift in carrying out their duties.
"I don't want carelessness and laziness to be practised by civil servants until it results in development projects facing delays and problems," said Sultan Sharafuddin.
The Ruler cited as examples flood mitigation projects and the upgrading of public amenities that had yet to be completed.
Sultan Sharafuddin said he was worried that if civil servants retained the same mindset, the people would continue to bear the consequences.
His Royal Highness also asked local councils to look into appointing non-politicians as councillors.
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"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) are not monopolised by politicians.
"With this measure, it is hoped all the people's problems and complaints can be better handled through the initiative of going down to the ground.
"I want the local authorities and departments that render services directly to the people such as the Public Works Department, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage and others, to ensure that maintenance of public assets is handled well," said Sultan Sharafuddin.
The Ruler added that this included repairs to damaged roads, clearing of blocked drains, maintenance of lifts in public buildings and housing, as well as upkeep of sports and recreational facilities.
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"I will continue to monitor and observe the civil servants and the quality of public services in Selangor in line with the motto Pertahan dan Setia Kepada Agama Islam (Defend and be Loyal to Islam) and Berkhidmat Kepada Rakyat dan Negara (Service to the People and Country)."
Sultan Sharafuddin stressed that all debates during the state assembly sitting proper, which begins Wednesday (Feb 28), should be carried out responsibly and with integrity and not be mired in slander or raise sensitive issues and false news.
His Royal Highness said the debates must always be harmonious and fair.
"I would like to remind the Speaker and the members of the 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.
On another matter, the Ruler said he hoped all the plans outlined in the First Selangor Plan would be implemented within the stipulated time frame.
Sultan Sharafuddin also said even though the state had sufficient clean water to meet the people's needs, preparations must be made to meet the challenges brought about by climate change such as dry spells.
"Awareness of using water wisely is still very low until it has caused domestic usage to be high, estimated at 215 litres per person daily.
"Hence, I urge the people to collectively use water carefully and wisely to contribute towards increasing current water reserves," said Sultan Sharafuddin.
