KUALA TERENGGANU, June 17 – The Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin (photo) wants the state government to implement polices drawn up before the 13th general election (GE13) for future wellbeing.
He said after GE13, issues such as racism, rights and privileges of the Malays and the Federal Constitution were raised thus threatening political stability and harmony.
“I urge Muslims to reflect and hold fast to the teachings of Al-Quran and As-Sunnah in addressing challenging issues that touch religious sensitivities and cultural values of the local community.
“This, if not dealt carefully will bring adverse consequences to the state,” he said at the opening of the Terengganu State Legislative Assembly at Wisma Darul Iman here today.
Sultan Mizan urged the state government led by Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said to be prudent when spending on projects and programmes.
“Less effective projects that are of no benefit to the people should be avoided.”
State assemblymen, civil servants, private sector leaders, NGOs and communities should strengthen ties regardless of political affiliation and cooperate to meet future challenges.
“The people of Terengganu should live moderately and spend wisely to generate a sustainable and competitive economy.”
He was satisfied with the implementation of economic development programmes which saw the Terengganu economy recording positive growth.
“This remarkable achievement is reflected in the increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of RM14,738 million in 2008 to RM16,200 million in 2012, a growth of 9.92 percent.
“This figure is due to robust economic activities where the services sector contributed a significant RM9.636 million to the GDP increase in 2012.”
Development in Kuala Terengganu City, the creation of Bandar Baru Bukit Besar and the new district of Kuala Nerus helped to solve problems like housing, infrastructure and basic facilities.
Sultan Mizan said focus should be on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), health, tourism, affordable housing, agriculture and commercial, fighting poverty and use of ICT in daily activities.
“Programmes to help poor people should be made more proactive by using innovative methods to reach this group.”
He was satisfied with the people friendly Terengganu state administration which provide comfort, less bureaucracy and quick solutions to problems.
-BERNAMA
