The success of the Selangor State Government under the leadership of Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim as Chief Minister should be acknowledged by all quarters, including political enemies, and especially by his own political friends.
When voters in Selangor gave the mandate once again to Pakatan Rakyat to continue to lead Selangor with the largest seat, certainly the majority of people and residents of Selangor, including those sitting on the fence, are satisfied with the performance of the State Government in his first term, despite the song “Sayangi Selangor Yakini BN” (Love Selangor, Trust BN) being played throughout the campaign period for the 13th General Election (GE-13).
As we all know, among those listed in the Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto during the GE-13 is to continue giving 20 cubic metres of water, an idea which was personally inspired by Abdul Khalid in 2008.
The people are aware that when the free water policy for residents of Selangor was first implemented, BN with help of their running dogs (lackeys or lapdogs), namely Utusan Malaysia, presented contrary propaganda to the people.
Allegedly, the free water policy would make the Selangor State Government bankrupt, it will encourage people to waste and many more attacks were thrown.
However, as usual, fiction will never overcome facts when the Selangor state budget recorded a balanced budget and a surplus at the same time when all BN State Governments and also the Federal Government recorded a budget deficit, where expenses exceeded revenue.
Abdul Khalid certainly was smiling when the Selangor BN indirectly acknowledged the policy which was inspired by him by listing the free water policy in their manifesto, finally.
The free water policy is just an example of many other smart policies and programmes that has been implemented by the Selangor State Government under the Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor (MES) agenda which now has 17 programmes to be enjoyed by citizens and residents of Selangor.
Although the Federal Government often act ungentlemanly towards the Selangor State Government, Abdul Khalid remains a gentleman to BN by giving an allowance of RM8,620 per month to the Selangor State Assembly Opposition Leader which is held by a BN Assemblyman.
This clearly shows that Abdul Khalid upholds the democratic system rooted in the doctrine of separation of powers between the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches.
By allocating allowances and privileges for the Selangor State Assembly Opposition Leader, it is clear that not only does Abdul Khalid empower the Executive branch under him, but also strengthens the Legislative branch by ensuring that the check-and-balance process in Selangor runs smoothly and transparently.
Apart from the positive approach and policies by the Selangor State Government, citizens and residents of Selangor are also fortunate to have a Chief Minister who has a good personality.
When he was appointed as the Chief Minister in 2008, at the time, he was already categorised as rich as a result of his involvement in the business and corporate world, rather than accumulating wealth and becoming rich from politics after becoming Chief Minister.
Adding to his property and wealth has never been a motivation to Abdul Khalid to continue to lead Selangor for the second term, but his motivation and vision is to increase property, money and state revenues to be enjoyed by all citizens and residents of Selangor, in line with the slogan “Hasil Negeri untuk Rakyat” (State Wealth for the People).
Many say that he is not good at politics. In this author’s opinion, this should be viewed from a positive perspective because the people are tired with two-bit politicians who only know how to play politics, politicising every issue, and issuing statements that are biased and have political sentiments.
His no-nonsense approach is actually the key to the success of the Selangor State Government since 2008 till now, and insyaAllah (God willing) for the future.
Not forgetting the service of the Selangor State Executive Councillors, from before till now, who have completed the Selangor State Government administration.
The same goes for the sweat of every civil servant in the State of Selangor who worked hard and contributed to the success of the State Government.
Certainly, the bonus received by civil servants of Selangor (which is definitely more than that received by civil servants of the Federal Government) recently is well worth it with all effort given in supporting aspirations of the Selangor State Government leadership. (By Kolar Putih)
* This article is taken from The Malaysian Insider and translated.