Alor setar: The Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, has called for the state's resource management to be carried out prudently, efficiently, and strategically to ensure that every expenditure delivers optimal impact in facing the current global energy crisis. His Royal Highness emphasized that cost-saving practices must be prioritized at all levels of departments and agencies, with a focus on needs over wants in every decision made.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sultan expressed his concerns about global developments, particularly the conflicts and wars affecting West Asia and Eastern Europe, which are anticipated to impact the economic stability of the country and the state. Sultan Sallehuddin addressed these issues in his royal speech at the opening of the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Kedah State Legislative Assembly at Wisma Darul Aman.
His Royal Highness also urged the people of Kedah to practise thrift and spend prudently. He called on the Kedah government to act swiftly and proactively in assessing and improving existing policies and regulations that burden the people. Sultan Sallehuddin highlighted the negative impact of excessive bureaucracy, outdated procedures, and irrelevant laws on progress and public confidence in the government's delivery system.
A comprehensive review and improvement of public service delivery are needed at all levels of departments and agencies to enhance efficiency, expedite service delivery, and drive the state's productivity to a higher level, according to Sultan Sallehuddin. He also emphasized that the relationship between the state and federal governments should be based on fair and complementary cooperation.
Furthermore, His Royal Highness stressed that religious institutions must not be misused for personal interests or political agendas. He called on relevant authorities to enforce the law firmly and proactively, as this matter is directly related to unity, which forms the foundation of stability for the state and the country. Sultan Sallehuddin highlighted the importance of nurturing harmony through mutual respect and understanding among the state's multi-religious and multi-ethnic population.