By Selangor Journal Team
GOMBAK, June 28 — Selangor's economic achievements last year, as outlined by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), effectively quashes allegations of under-performance levelled by former menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Current postholder Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said DOSM's latest report on the gross domestic product (GDP) by state for 2022 proves Selangor's excellent track record and is a testament to its systematic planning in ensuring it remains Malaysia's largest economic contributor.
Key to this success, according to Amirudin, is the consistency shown by his administration in ensuring investments, since coming into power in 2018.
"(Investments) dipped slightly in 2020, but improved again in 2021 and 2022. This shows that we are still an attractive state," he said when met by reporters after attending an event in conjunction with the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, here, today.
"They (investments) don't just suddenly come in huge numbers one year and then drop significantly the next. That is a sign there is no planning and understanding (of the economy)."
Amirudin said Azmin also ought to look at the number of job opportunities that have opened up in Selangor under his watch, before passing any judgement.
The menteri besar pointed out that the number of jobs being offered, as well as the overall salary and economic value, have increased in the state.
"He (Azmin) is just playing games. But it is sad to see someone not speaking honestly, particularly on this matter, for the sake of political gain. Nonetheless, I wish him the best."
Amirudin was asked to comment on a recent remark by Azmin describing Selangor's investment performance as poor, in comparison to other states in the country.
Azmin, who is state Perikatan Nasional chairman, pointed out that Johor had secured far more investments than Selangor in the first quarter of this year, and that this signals weakness in the current administration.
DOSM yesterday revealed that Selangor recorded the highest contribution to the national GDP at 25.5 per cent in 2022, with an economic growth of 11.9 per cent, outperforming the national growth rate of 8.7 per cent.
Zafrul for Sg Kandis? Nothing finalised
On a separate matter, Amirudin said Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) and Barisan Nasional (BN) are set to finalise their seat negotiations after Hari Raya Aidiladha.
This includes for the Sungai Kandis state constituency, amid speculations that Selangor Umno treasurer and state BN manifesto chairman Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz could be given the nod to contest there.
Responding specifically to the seat, Amirudin, who is Selangor Harapan chairman, said nothing has been finalised yet and that discussions are still ongoing.
"We are still discussing whether to place him (Zafrul) in Sungai Kandis," he said.
"Negotiations have not ended. We will see after the Hari Raya period. Let us discuss deeper before announcing."
In the 14th General Election, PKR's Mat Shuhaimi Shafiei won the seat with a majority of 12,480 votes. He later died, paving the way for a by-election on August 4, 2018.
Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni of PKR then won, albeit at a slimmer majority of 5,842 votes, defeating BN's Datuk Lokman Noor Adam and independent candidate K. Murthy.
Zawawi was later appointed state executive councillor for Islamic Religious Affairs, Consumers Affairs, and Halal Industry.
