Maintaining the harmony in a pluralistic Selangor, a state that boasts an interesting potpourri of races, was among the key messages from Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Shah’s message to the newly-appointed menteri besar, Azmin Ali.

Azmin, when met at his mother’s residence in Kampung Klang Gate Baru in Hulu Kelang said that the special message was revealed to him during the swearing-in ceremony held at Istana Alam Shah in Klang today.

“Sultan Sharafuddin advised me that the responsibility a menteri besar is to maintain the harmony in a pluralistic state such as Selangor and whilst Islam is the federal religion, the respect for practitioners of other beliefs and religions must be adhered too,” said the 50-year-old Azmin.

“Sultan Sharafuddin also counselled me on the issue of security and safety in the state where utmost and immediate attention must be prioritised so that the people in Selangor will feel safe wherever they are,” Azmin said.

A meeting with the Selangor Police Chief, Datuk Abdul Samah Mat to seek solutions to curb crime rate in the state is in the pipeline, said Azmin.

Azmin, who is the 15th Menteri Besar also plans to conduct a meeting with the various local authorities to discuss dengue and waste management issues that have been the utmost importance for Selangor folks.

He reiterated that it is his responsibilities to ensure that the state authorities provide their best services to taxpayers and the rakyat of Selangor.

Prior to the ceremony, Azmin led the congregation for Zohor prayers at a mosque in Klang Gate.