Don’t misconstrue decision, says Selangor Sultan

SHAH ALAM, Jan 19 – The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, today said his signing of the proclamation calling for a state assembly sitting on January 24 should not be misconstrued as siding with any party.

“I have signed the proclamation to call for a state assembly sitting fixed for January 24 under sub-order 10(3) of the State Legislative Assembly’s Standing Order,” the Sultan said in a statement issued today.

Sultan Sharafuddin said the proclamation was signed in line with the powers and responsibilities vested in him as provided under Articles LXX (1) and LV (1) of the Laws of the Selangor State Constitution 1959.

The Sultan also hoped that the state assembly meeting would proceed in an orderly manner in accordance with the stipulated rules. “I do not wish my signing of the proclamation to be misconstrued as siding any party nor be dragged into the politics of any irresponsible quarters with vested interest,” the Sultan said.

In a separate press statement, the Sultan’s private secretary Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani said the ruler had received and perused the draft of the proposed amendment to Article 52 of the Selangor State Constitution. “However, His Highness is leaving it to the wisdom of the members of the state assembly to decide whether the amendment should be accepted and passed or not,” he said.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had suggested that Article 52 be amended to return the power of the Sultan and Mentri Besar to appoint the state secretary, financial officer and legal adviser. – Bernama