IPOH: The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah said state assembly members should appreciate the even allocation provided by the state government by embodying a mature political spirit of teamwork, mutual respect and helping each other for the interest of the state and the people.
He said they should work together to cultivate the spirit of unity and citizenship among those of various races, religions, cultures and languages.
Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad, when tabling the 2021 budget, announced an even allocation for all 59 members of the State Assembly, regardless whether they are from the opposition or the ruling party, who were also invited to attend meetings of the District Development Action Committee, District Focus Group Committee and District Disaster Management Committee.
According to Sultan Nazrin, this has made possible for all the state assembly members to participate directly and constructively to formulate governance that meets the people's needs.
"The move pioneered by the Menteri Besar is a courageous move, setting a precedent in the state administration. It may well be a small initial step, but this small step, if nurtured, will be the stepping stone to a new and superior political culture that is less confrontational in nature," said the Sultan when opening the First Session of the Fourth Year of the 14th Perak State Legislative Assembly today.
In a country that adopts a system of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, he said, the State Legislative Assembly plays a vital role in strengthening the democratic practice, as well as providing a check and balance to the executive branch, particularly in reviewing, debating and approving the state's expenditure.
This august house also serves as an avenue for the state assembly members to voice out the concerns and lamentations of their constituents, he added.
On the COVID-19 threat, Sultan Nazrin said, it had unleashed a new battlefield into the midst of society.
"The battle between virus and vaccine will continue until Allah SWT bestows humans with wisdom to overcome the endurance and resistance of the virus. Vaccination is a preventive measure which acts as a defensive shield, increasing our immunity," he added.
The state government, he said, is taking full initiative to achieve the herd immunity by speeding up the vaccination rate.
"The vaccination programme has also been scaled-up and improved through outreach programmes which dispatch special teams to rural areas, approaching the rural society, as well as the Orang Asli community," he added.
As of last Aug 23, a total of 1,118,358 people in the state have received their first dose of the vaccine, with 797,317 people or 42.8 per cent of the adult population having completed the vaccination.
Sultan Nazrin expressed his appreciation to health and medical personnel, members of the security forces and related agencies, food deliverymen, staff in grocery stores, supermarkets and in pharmacies, who are being tasked at the frontlines and facing the highest risk of infection.
A burden of responsibility that they never imagined would have to be faced by their respective professions, he added.
The Sultan said the COVID-19 has also curbed agricultural activities and expressed the need for the government to give serious attention to food security threat.
"The agriculture, livestock, and fishing sectors need to be very pro-active. Beyond that, they need to be more productive, increasing their yields by incorporating a new working culture and using more modern methods and mechanisms," he added.
On development in Perak, the Sultan said, it depends on the strength of state government's financial resources, with efforts being made to increase the state's revenue through the identification of new sources, including non-radioactive rare earth element (NR-REE), one of the more important minerals of the present and the future due to its extensive use in many high-tech industries, healthcare industries, and in the defence industries.
An estimated 1,687,500 tons of the NR-REE can be found in Perak.
A pioneer project in NR-REE mining on a 213.8 hectare site has been conducted , said the Sultan, adding that the state government was cautious in not being too hasty to grant licenses for large scale mining of the NR-REE.
Prior to this, it was reported that a "bubble concept" would be implemented for the Perak State Assembly sitting due to the COVID-19 situation in the state and following the advice of the State Health Department.
The concept involves four main elements, namely the provision of accommodation, transportation, extension of meeting space and daily screening test for those involved in the sitting.
To minimise movement, all individuals involved were required to stay at Impiana Hotel and use the transport provided as no private vehicles or e-hailing services is allowed.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Aug 25 2021
Sultan Nazrin said members should work together to cultivate the spirit of unity and citizenship among those of various races, religions, cultures and languages. -BERNAMA/Filepic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.