SHAH ALAM, Oct 31 — Twenty-five years is no short period. It is enough time for a new generation to be born and grow up.
Over that time period, the state has weathered numerous challenges that tested its resilience. It has faced everything from economic crises and political uncertainty to natural disasters and pandemics.
Selangor State Secretary Dato' Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin described the wisdom of the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj as one of the main factors behind the state’s stability in facing these challenges.
“Despite all these storms, the state of Selangor Darul Ehsan continues to stand firm. Why? Because we have a strong foundation of stability.
“His Royal Highness’s firm leadership has served as a guiding compass, a source of counsel for the state government and a figure in whom the people can place their hopes.
“The Sultan does not merely deliver royal addresses in meeting rooms or from the palace throne. His Royal Highness is always attentive to the concerns of the people at grassroots level,” he said in his address on Sunday (October 18).
The address was delivered during the first Majlis Jamuan Teh Diraja at Padang Mahkota, Istana Alam Shah, Klang. Over 3,000 people from Klang, Petaling, Sabak Bernam, and Hulu Selangor attended the event.
The Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, accompanied by his wife Datin Paduka Seri Afzaa Fadini Dato’ Abdul Aziz, also mingled with the public during the event.
Also present were Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari and his wife Datin Seri Masdiana Muhamad.
Similar events are being held in stages as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Sultan Sharafuddin's reign, involving people from all walks of life in the state’s other districts.
In his address, Fadzli emphasised that Selangor’s royal institution is not merely a symbol of history or customary heritage, but a cornerstone of the constitutional monarchy system of government.
Every royal decree, guidance, and admonition from His Royal Highness serves as a compass in formulating government policies, particularly those concerning the people’s interests.
He noted that the Ruler had, among other things, stressed the importance of transparency in financial management, environmental sustainability, and the dangers of corruption and abuse of power.
“When His Royal Highness firmly reminds us of the dangers of corruption and abuse of power, it becomes my absolute responsibility as State Secretary, together with all department heads, to ensure that there is no leakage of public funds in Selangor,” Fadzli said.
He also praised the Sultan's firm stance in safeguarding the sanctity of Islam while protecting the rights of followers of other religions in the state.
“His Royal Highness' firm rejection of extremism, narrow-minded racialism and attempts to exploit sensitive issues for political gain serves as a strong shield protecting the harmony of this state,” Fadzli said.
This is particularly important as Selangor is a melting pot and home to millions of people of different races, cultures, and religions. Yet harmony continues to flourish through tolerance and mutual respect cultivated over many years.
As such, the senior civil servant called on people of all backgrounds to work together to safeguard their shared home and not allow differences of opinion to undermine the unity built over generations.
“Let us not allow differences of opinion to tear apart the bonds of unity we have built. Selangor’s strength lies in our ability to stand united, shoulder to shoulder, and move forward together,” he said.
Fadzli also described the reception as a valuable opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to meet the Ruler, see him in person, and experience his warmth and compassion.
Such events help ease hierarchical boundaries and customary protocol, strengthening the bond of affection between the Crown and the people.
“This is the true face of Selangor’s royal institution. A monarch who sits upon the throne, yet whose heart remains close to the people,” he said.
Fadzli also used his address to highlight the state’s progress and rapid development, particularly in Klang, which he described as the traditional heartland of the Selangor Sultanate.
He outlined the strengths of the four districts represented at the event: Petaling as the driving force of metropolitan economic growth; Hulu Selangor as the state’s green lungs; and Sabak Bernam as the state’s rice bowl and agricultural heartland.
However, Fadzli cautioned that progress should not be measured solely by investment figures, but also by how well roads are maintained, how accessible health clinics are, and whether children can travel safely to school.
“Physical development is meaningless if it does not touch people’s lives,” he said.
