IPOH: Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah wants state assemblymen to adopt a more mature approach in politics and create a new culture that is less confrontational.

       The Perak Ruler said the state’s 59 assemblymen should work together to cultivate the spirit of unity among the rakyat.

       His Royal Highness added that the assemblymen should appreciate the equal allocation provided by the state government in the interest of the state and the people.

       “The move by Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad in allocating funds for all assemblymen and inviting all to attend meetings of the district development, focus group and disaster management committees is courageous and has set a precedent in the state administration.

       “Every member of the House should welcome the move through a reciprocal attitude and appreciate this new culture that embodies a mature political spirit of teamwork, and mutual respect; helping each other with efforts undertaken in the interest of the state and people.

       “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 Sultan Nazrin in his royal address during the opening of the first meeting of the fourth session of the 14th Perak state assembly yesterday.

       Saarani, when tabling the 2021 budget, announced an allocation of RM200,000 for all state assemblymen across the floor and invited them to the district action committee, focus group and disaster management meetings so they can perform their tasks and responsibilities effectively.

       Sign of appreciation: Sultan Nazrin inviting state assemblymen to stand and applaud frontliners for their contributions and sacrifices during the pandemic. — Bernama

       He also announced that the state’s Public Accounts Committee would be headed by an Opposition assemblyman.

       Sultan Nazrin also said the state should be sensitive to health, safety and environmental issues in its effort to increase revenue through new resources including the non-radioactive rare earth element (NR-REE).

       “It is estimated that 1,687,500 tonnes of NR-REE can be found in Perak.

       “It is one of the more important minerals of the present and the future due to its extensive use in many industries such as hi-tech, healthcare and defence.

       “However, health, safety and environmental factors, including the long-term benefits of the state and its people must be prioritised and cannot be compromised,” said His Royal Highness.

       Sultan Nazrin added that a pioneer project to mine NR-REE on 213ha of land had started and the state was cautious in not being too hasty to grant licences for large-scale mining of the mineral.

       Sultan Nazrin also said that the state should not be content with being a mere producer of raw materials.

       “Raw materials should be complemented with downstream activities so that returns have added value and will prompt the creation of high-level job opportunities for locals.

       “Menteri Besar Incorporated has taken steps to explore all avenues in establishing collaborations between scientists and experts to undertake research on this newly discovered mineral NR-REE, while the Perak State Development Corporation has pioneered efforts to develop midstream and downstream industries,” added Sultan Nazrin.

       His Royal Highness also led assemblymen to a round of applause for all Covid-19 frontliners and those related to battling the pandemic.

       “Doctors, nurses, health and medical personnel, ambulance drivers, hearse drivers, gravediggers and mortuary operators are suddenly hit with these unexpected heavy responsibilities, being tasked at the frontline and facing the highest risks of infection.

       “Great risks faced by food deliverymen, staff in grocery stores, in supermarkets and in pharmacies; public transport operators, members of the security forces and related agencies, as well as public officials in various government departments and agencies who operate various important services.

       “They have upheld the principle of kifayah (communal responsibility) that must be appreciated.

       “As a token of our appreciation to each and every one of the officers on the frontline as well as their family members, let us all stand together and give them a round of applause,” said Sultan Nazrin.