KLANG: The 25-year reign of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has been marked by his concern for the welfare of his subjects, the interests of Islam and harmony among the state's multi-ethnic communities.
This was the sentiment expressed by attendees at a Royal Tea Reception with the People held at Istana Alam Shah today in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee of the Sultan's reign.
They said His Royal Highness's attentiveness to the concerns of the people was an important foundation for safeguarding their well-being and strengthening unity in the state.
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Bagan Nira village head Mohamad Sedek Idrus said Sultan Sharafuddin's firm stance on state issues, particularly those concerning Islam, reflected his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities as ruler.
Sedek, who hails from Sabak Bernam, said that while the Sultan consistently upheld the interests of Islam, he also respected the rights of other communities and emphasised unity in his public statements.
"On behalf of the villagers, I would like to express my gratitude to His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor. He is a ruler who truly cares for his people, ensuring that they can live well and enjoy the state's prosperity," he told Bernama at the event.
Meanwhile, private university student Nur Aresha Zaraa Sallehudin, 21, described the royal institution as an important part of the nation's identity that society should respect and cherish.
She likened the institution to roots that bind society under a common leadership, thereby strengthening unity and benefiting the country.
"Much like the proverb 'united we stand, divided we fall', the royal institution serves as these roots, further strengthening unity and bringing other benefits, including economic progress," she said.
Nur Aresha also prayed for Sultan Sharafuddin's continued good health and prosperity so that His Royal Highness could continue to rule the state with integrity and efficiency.
Earlier, Sultan Sharafuddin, accompanied by the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, graced the reception, which was attended by more than 3,000 people from the districts of Klang, Petaling, Hulu Selangor and Sabak Bernam.
Also in attendance were the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, and his wife, Datin Paduka Seri Afzaa Fadini Abdul Aziz.
The reception was the first of five events organised to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Sultan's reign.
Upon their arrival, the royal couple and other members of the royal family were welcomed by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and state secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin.
In his address, Fadzli said Sultan Sharafuddin's leadership was distinguished by his genuine concern for the grievances of people at the grassroots level, extending beyond discussions in meeting rooms and royal decrees issued from the palace.
He said the Sultan's decrees, guidance and admonitions, whether delivered in the state legislative assembly, at Royal Council meetings or from mosque pulpits, served as guiding principles in formulating state government policies.
"When His Royal Highness speaks on the importance of transparent financial management, the state government immediately strengthens its procurement governance. When His Royal Highness addresses environmental sustainability, the state government reviews its forestry and flood mitigation policies.
"When His Royal Highness firmly highlights the dangers of corruption and misappropriation, it becomes the absolute duty of myself, in my capacity as the state secretary, and all heads of departments to ensure that no leakage of public funds occurs in Selangor," he said.
Fadzli said the state administration's commitment to upholding the Sultan's decrees and advice demonstrated its loyalty to the royal institution.
"I firmly hold to the principle that an excellent administration is not merely one that excels in planning, but one that is also adept at executing those plans transparently, for the well-being of the people who reside under His Highness's care," he said.
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