RULER: DON’T POLITICISE
Sultan Sharafuddin wants federal, state governments to work together in finalising Splash takeover
DAWN CHAN
SHAH ALAM news@nst.com.my
SULTAN of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said he hopes that the state and federal governments will work together responsibly to finalise the takeover of water concessionaire Syarikat Pengeluar Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash), adding that the issue should not be politicised by certain parties.
In his address when opening the fifth term of the 13th Selangor assembly sitting yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin said the interests of the state and the people should be prioritised in the effort to conclude the takeover.
“I am glad that the state government has carried out work comprehensively and taken open and transparent steps to conclude the takeover of the water concession company to protect the interest of the people in Selangor.
“I was made to understand that the Federal Government had taken the same step as the state by appointing an independent valuer to determine the cost of the takeover.
“I hope the federal and state governments will finalise this process by prioritising the interests of the state and people. I want all parties to be responsible and not politicise the water issue,” he said.
The opening of the state assembly sitting was historic as it was graced by Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah.
This was the first assembly sitting for the two royals since Sultan Sharafuddin married Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin in September last year and since Tengku Amir Shah was proclaimed Raja Muda Selangor in October last year.
Sultan Sharafuddin also expressed disappointment that the current political landscape had been marred by negative elements and asked that its true meaning be understood.
He said politics was not about seeking power.
“Politics in its true meaning is an effort to achieve excellent governance to develop a state.
“I am happy that the administration park, as a potential tourism hotspot.
Sultan Mizan also highlighted plans to develop Tasik Kenyir as a duty-free zone and an improved tourism spot because it could create jobs and business opportunities of the state government is stable and puts the peoplecentric agenda above polemics and narrow politics.
“It is unfortunate that politics today is tainted with hatred, anger, slander, misunderstanding and racism.
“I hope the Selangor government will continue its noble political practice, which centres on principles and values.” for the people, especially locals.
He also hoped that the state government would achieve its target of attracting 5.5 million visitors during the Visit Beautiful Terengganu 2017 campaign.