The Perlis ruler said too much time has already been wasted as a result of the Perlis menteri besar dispute, which caused many things to be pushed back.
“Now that the general election is over, let us focus on developing the state and how we can find revenue to govern the state.
“Every year, we are looking at a deficit of between RM60 and RM70 million. We need to find ways and means to overcome this.
“Also, how can we create job opportunities for the people? You go to the ground these days, many people are still very poor.
“We need to find ways to eradicate poverty. This is what people’s representatives should be doing,” he said in his speech after the swearing-in of eight Barisan Nasional assemblymen as state executive councillors at the Istana Arau today.
Present were the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Syed Jamalullail, Perlis MB Azlan Man, Perlis state secretary Syed Omar Sharifuddin Syed Ikhsan and Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.
The Perlis ruler said he was ready to put the crisis behind him, and accepted the apologies of BN’s nine representatives who recently had an audience with him.
The “BN 9” had incurred his wrath previously when they boycotted Azlan’s swearing in as MB on May 24.
“I view that boycott very seriously. I hope it will not happen again, and hope it will serve as a lesson to all.
“I was worried initially that there were rebels in our state. But recently, they came to see me and apologised.
“Who in this world does not commit wrong? I have to accept that. But I would like to remind all of you to not let this happen again, for the good of everyone,” he said.
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin also reminded all state assemblymen to forget which party they came from and strive to serve all Perlis folks.
“You are all elected representatives. You represent all people, regardless of skin colour, race or religion. Do not forget that. You must help and be fair to all rakyat.
“Do not marginalise anyone. If you do that, then you should not be the people’s representative. If you are not going to care for the interests of all the people, there is no use being a Yang Berhormat (YB). Work hard for the people,” he said.
The Perlis ruler also urged all state executive councillors to learn about their tasks and responsibilities, and be well versed in them.
“Do not just feel good about riding in cars with a driver (to drive you around) but do not know your jobs.
“Before each exco meeting, read the agenda properly. Understand what is needed. And don’t just simply agree to everything. Do your homework first.
“This is because the decisions you make involve the rakyat, not just in the short term, but for the long term. If you slip up, things will not change even in the next 50 years,” he said.
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said Azlan would usually have an audience with him before chairing the state exco meeting, to have discussions with him.
“I will not agree to everything. I give my feedback too. That is my job.
“I hope you will do the best as representatives and state excos. This is the golden time,” he added.