Sultan: Take care of water resources

JOHOR BARU: Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has congratulated Bukit Kepong assemblyman Dr Sahruddin Jamal on his appointment as menteri besar.

Sultan Ibrahim, via a statement posted on his Facebook page, expressed hope that Dr Sahruddin would shoulder the responsibility with honesty, sincerity and trust, as well as prioritise the interests of the state rather than political or self-interest, for the wellbeing of the people and the economic prosperity of Johor.

“I also want him to give priority to the issue of river pollution to ensure that raw water resources are always clean and able to survive for a long time.”

He advised the state government not to waste time over wasteful matters, engage in slander or fabricate stories to attract or confuse the people.

Instead, he said, the government should focus on helping the poor and improving the country’s economy.

“The Johor government has long existed and has its own customs and ways of governing. There is no need for outsiders to talk about who is in power and how to govern the state of Johor.

“The sovereignty of the State of Johor, the sanctity of Islam and the privileges of the Malays should always be protected from harassment by outsiders who are hiding behind the cloak of the human rights struggle,” he said, adding that he hoped Johor would continue to develop, prosper and be blessed.

Earlier yesterday, Dr Sahruddin, 43, who was health, environment and agriculture committee chairman, took his oath of office as menteri besar before Sultan Ibrahim at Istana Bukit Serene.

Dr Sahruddin was appointed the 17th menteri besar following the resignation of Datuk Osman Sapian on April 8.