KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu government must find the best methods in its administrative system to ensure transparency so that all decisions will be made in the interest of the people.
The sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin said this when opening the state legislative assembly today while citing the absence of any opposition elected representatives in the current state legislature.
He said the current composition of the state asembly happened in his 25th year of his reign in Terengganu, and it was a historic new chapter for Malaysia and the state.
“The doctrine of separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judiciary under a democracy will become an effective check and balance for this (state) government even though it is now fully centralised towards the government’s side.
“I believe and am confident that the rule of law in Malaysia as well as the fourth Rukun Negara principle, which is the ‘rules of law’ will be implemented well, fairly and equitably throughout all social stratas in society.
“We can ensure there is discipline and an orderly administration through comprehensive collaborations among government bodies. This will lead to effective and accurate decisions,” he said in his speech when opening the state assembly session on Sunday.
Sultan Mizan urged the state government to focus on all sectors to ensure Terengganu’s sustainable socioeconomy ecosystem.
He said vital urban initiatives such as smart and safe city elements, green cities and low-carbon city policies are emphasized and refined at state and local authority-levels.
“This government is advised to optimise the potential of new cities that have been planned so that they can be developed with conducive and organised urban spaces for all levels of society.
“It also needs to emphasize product branding by identifying unique selling points offered to attract tourists and to make Terengganu into a leading marine tourism destination in the country.
“The uniqueness of the seven main resort islands in Terengganu: Perhentian Besar, Perhentian Kecil, Redang, Tenggol , Bidong , Lang Tengah and Kapas have potentials to be marketed globally.”
Sultan Mizan the state government should find a more strategic promotional method to boost Terengganu’s marine tourism activities with the discovery of the Bidong shipwreck, which is over 500 years old located off that island. He said it proved that many more seabed treasures needed to be explored.
“A Terengganu Maritime Archeology Gallery should be created so these valuable discoveries can be kept in one place, and used as a source for reference and studies.
“Muslims must also re-nurture the tradition of knowledge if they want to establish Islam that is complete and perfect in body and spirit.
“I call on education-related agencies including Yayasan Terengganu, Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council as well as government-linked companies in Terengganu to continue sponsoring educational programmes and cooperate by providing employment opportunities to my subjects,” said Sultan Mizan.
On Aug 12, Pas won in all 32 seats in Terengganu during the state election. – NSTP
