TTF: Now, here’s the thing – Dato’ Seri Azmin Ali is not functioning properly as the Menteri Besar of Selangor (see news item below). The fact that he targeted PAS assemblymen when revoking fund allocations meant for the people of Selangor is one thing. But the fact that the matter was never discussed in the state assembly is quite another. Effectively, that speaks volumes of the Menteri Besar’s inability to lead Selangor in accordance with the principles of democratic governance he was entrusted to uphold.
So what would you have PAS reps do? Would you have them discuss the matter with someone who has shown clear disregard for the institution of democracy, or would you rather have them seek recourse to the very authority that presented Azmin with power in the first place?
The Selangor Menteri Besar forgets that the executive power of the state is constitutionally vested in Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and is exercised by the ruler on the advice of a council of legislators (excos). By heading this council, Azmin is merely working on borrowed authority and is no way exclusive of the monarchical institution.
By virtue of this reasoning, it is perfectly admissible for an assemblyman to seek recourse to the ruler in helping resolve a serious dispute, particularly if that dispute involves the very person the ruler appointed to lead executive. By calling such assemblymen ‘childish’, Azmin has inadvertantly undermined the sanctity of the Selangor palace and the eminence of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor.
Seriously, how many more times does Pakatan intend to insult Sultan Sharafuddin?
KUALA SELANGOR: Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Azmin Ali told state lawmakers with issues regarding their financial allocations to see him directly instead of involving the Sultan unnecessarily.
He said threats to bring such issues to the attention of the Selangor palace were childish, adding that there were adequate avenues to resolve the complaints internally.
“If there are any state assemblyman who have any problem with the allocations in their area, they can either discuss it with the district officer or myself. This is an administrative issues, there is no need to see Tuanku,” said Azmin, in reference to Selangor’s Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
Azmin pointed out that Selangor was the only state that also extended development funds to opposition lawmakers, and its use reflected his administration’s progressive views.
“I am ready to listen to any problems from anyone,” he told the press after the launch of the Smart Selangor Mother’s Love (KISS) scheme, here, today.
Azmin said the funds were usually disbursed starting Jan 1, but explained that it may take time for these to move through the layers of bureaucracy.
“However, I have given reminders for the funds to be distributed faster so that it would not disrupt any programmes at the district level,” he said.
In Selangor, assemblymen receive RM800,000 annually while MPS get RM300,000 for development, regardless of political affiliation.
On Friday, Selangor PAS commissioner Sallehen Mukhyi reportedly said he was informally notified by the state Economic Planning Unit that the allocations were suspended.
He demanded the Selangor government explain the matter, and warned that his party would bring the issue to the Selangor palace’s attention otherwise.
PAS cut ties with PKR last year, but its state lawmakers remain a part of Azmin’s administration.
Yesterday, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang urged Azmin to not allow politics to get in the way of the state’s administration.
PAS has 13 state and one federal lawmaker in Selangor.
