Planning, Spending In Perlis Must Be Carried Out With Full Integrity, Says Perlis Ruler 

ARAU, May 17 (Bernama) -- The Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail has decreed that every state planning and expenditure initiative in Perlis must be carried out with full integrity, prudence and responsibility, while delivering clear and tangible benefits to the people.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said he did not wish to see good plans remain merely on paper without effective implementation.

In this regard, His Royal Highness said that every planned project must be implemented efficiently, closely monitored and completed within a reasonable timeframe so that its benefits could be enjoyed without delay.

“In efforts to develop the state, we cannot continue to be bound solely by convention. What needs improvement must be improved. What is no longer relevant must be changed. It must be emphasised that the courage to make improvements is the foundation of progress.

“Every trust entrusted must be carried out with full integrity, sincerity and a high sense of responsibility for the interests of the people and the state,” said His Royal Highness at the first session of the Investiture Ceremony for Perlis State Honours at Istana Arau here today in conjunction with his 83rd birthday celebration.

Also in attendance at the investiture ceremony was the Raja Perempuan of Perlis Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Almarhum Tengku Abdul Rashid.

The Perlis Ruler stressed that those entrusted with leadership responsibilities in the state, including elected representatives, bear a major responsibility in determining the direction and future of Perlis, with every decision made needing to be based on the interests of the people and not influenced by narrow or short-term interests.

“I hope every available platform will be utilised as best as possible to discuss constructive matters and generate new ideas capable of bringing meaningful change. Close cooperation and strong determination are greatly needed to ensure all plans can be implemented effectively,” said His Royal Highness.

Meanwhile, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin also called for unity and harmony among the people to continue being strengthened, as in an increasingly challenging world, true strength lies in unity, mutual respect and the ability to move forward as a united society.

“The state of Perlis that we cherish consists of a multiracial society living in peace and harmony. This diversity is a strength that must be preserved and strengthened... this harmony does not come naturally, but must be nurtured and maintained continuously by all parties,” he said.

At the same time, His Royal Highness decreed that the conferment of honours is a trust that requires recipients to continue upholding integrity, character and high standards of conduct, while serving as role models to society.

“On this occasion, I would also like to extend my highest congratulations to the recipients of honours, stars and medals in conjunction with my birthday celebration this year. This conferment is a recognition of the services and contributions rendered,” he added.

At the investiture ceremony, the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail headed the list of 24 recipients of state honours with the conferment of the Seri Setia Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail (S.S.S.J), which carries the title Datuk Seri Diraja.

In addition, the Raja of Perlis also conferred the S.S.S.J upon the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil and the Tengku Puteri Mahkota of Perlis Datuk Seri Datin Paduka Hajah Sharifah Fazira Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar was conferred the Seri Paduka Mahkota Perlis (S.P.M.P), which carries the title Datuk Seri, at the investiture ceremony.

-- BERNAMA