Johor Sultan reminds exco members to work as a team, not to be selfish

JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar today said that although the Johor state government has changed, the tasks and responsibilities to develop the state for the rakyat must remain the most important agenda of the government.

He said as the Ruler and Head of State, he has the power to appoint the Menteri Besar and the executive council (exco) members among the state’s elected representatives. 

“As the one who appoints, I’m also responsible for monitoring and ensuring that those I appointed are really doing their job in a good, honest and trustworthy manners for the sake of the state and the people of Johor.

“If any of the exco members failed to discharge their duties satisfactorily, then I will have a discussion with the menteri besar to take the next appropriate action, including to have the exco member replaced with a new one,” he said at his 60th birthday celebration at the Istana Besar here today.

The text of the Sultan’s decree was distributed to the media through the Johor Royal Press Office.

Sultan Ibrahim said all exco members must also give their full cooperation to the menteri besar and work together as a team, and not to be selfish and look only after themselves or the party they represented.

“Don’t be a thorn in one’s flesh,” he said.

Besides, the Sultan said the implementation of development projects in the state must be done according to the state’ and the people’s needs, and not on the requests or demands of political leaders.

“For instance, the ‘Bas Muafakat Johor’ programme which provides free bus service to the people is indeed a good programme and must be expanded and there is no need to change the name of the programme to ‘Bas Harapan Johor’.

“I also call for the quality of public service in the state to be enhanced by implementing a management system that is professional and free from any political influences. I believe that if all parties can be open-minded and set aside their personal agenda, the state administration will run smoothly and the people will have a better and prosperous life.

The Sultan’s birthday celebration today began with a Blessing Ceremony conducted by the Mufti of  Johor Datuk Yahya Ahmad, before Sultan Ibrahim proceeded to inspect the guard of honour.

This was followed by the Levee Ceremony, Allegiance Ceremony and the Investiture Ceremony.

The official birthday celebration for the Sultan of Johor, which falls on March 23, was postponed to today following the 14th general election in May and the death of his mother, Enche' Besar Hajah Khalsom Abdullah in June.

-- BERNAMA