SHAH ALAM, Aug 11 — Selangor is too important for Malaysia to be gambled away over racial politics, a state backbencher said today, as he urged all parties to instead focus their efforts on the people’s well-being.
Addressing the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting, Batu Tiga state assemblyman Danial Al-Rashid Haron Aminar Rashid said that while political differences are natural, narrow racial and religious narratives that could undermine Selangor’s stability and harmony should be rejected.
“Selangor is too important to be put at risk over (racial) politics like that. Politics can distinguish parties, but I warn everyone, never bring racial politics that will divide the people of Selangor,” he said when debating the Second Selangor Plan (RS-2) today.
Danial added that the state’s economic progress should not be measured solely by its gross domestic product, but also by whether economic growth improves the quality of life of its people.
The Pakatan Harapan lawmaker also challenged critics who claimed that the SG4 states of PAS-led Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis had outperformed Selangor to present concrete evidence to the Assembly.
“Challenge us with performance, challenge us with integrity. Do not make accusations and then hide behind them. If you are afraid, do not challenge us.
“If this government is weak, show us our weaknesses. If our policies have failed, present the facts. If there are other states that are governed better than Selangor, bring the figures and evidence to this house.
“I would also like to hear about the achievements that the SG4 states are so proud of. Bring them to the Selangor State Legislative Assembly so we can debate and discuss them,” he said.
Earlier, Danial said that Selangor should aspire not only to become a high-income state but also one with a high quality of life, where people have access to good jobs, decent incomes, affordable housing, and a comfortable living environment.
He also called on both the government and Opposition members to uphold good governance and work together to address issues affecting the people, regardless of political differences.
"The state’s stability, harmony and professional institutions must be protected so that Selangor can continue progressing without allowing racial or religious politics to undermine its development," Danial said.
