Latest news with #LittleNapoleon
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Perlis leaders promise immediate action over 'Little Napoleons' mentioned by ruler
KANGAR: The Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamallullail's reprimand over bureaucracy and the entrenched "Little Napoleon" culture within the Kangar Municipal Council must not be taken lightly, local leaders say. Arau member of parliament Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim urged the council's president, Affendi Rajini Kanth, to act swiftly to address the issue, describing the royal reminder as firm and timely. "His Majesty's message is crystal clear and serious. The president must act without delay," he said in a Facebook post. Shahidan, who briefly served as council president between April and June 1995, was present at today's groundbreaking ceremony for the council's new headquarters at Persiaran Wawasan, opened by the Raja of Perlis himself. Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, in a separate statement, acknowledged the royal advice and pledged that all parties would respond appropriately. "Deepest gratitude to His Majesty for the advice and guidance to (the council). May every party take the necessary action," he said. When contacted, Affendi said the royal reprimand would further strengthen efforts already underway to clean up legacy practices within the council's administration. "Since I took over last year, we have been gradually rooting out this culture that has long plagued the council's system. We fully appreciate His Majesty's reminder... it motivates us to become an exemplary local authority," he said. Earlier, the His Majesty had expressed concern that bureaucratic red tape and "Little Napoleon" behaviour among certain officials continued to tarnish the council's image, an issue that, he added, had affected him personally.
New Straits Times
17 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
'Little Napoleons' tarnishing MPKangar's name, says Raja Perlis
KANGAR: The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, has openly criticised bureaucratic hurdles and the so-called "Little Napoleon" culture said to persist within the Kangar Municipal Council (MPKangar). The Ruler said the presence of officials clinging to such attitudes has tarnished MPKangar's reputation and even caused him personal inconvenience, raising questions about the council's capacity to fulfil its responsibilities as the state's sole local authority. His Majesty revealed that there had once been a plan to rebrand MPKangar as MP Perlis to better reflect its statewide role, but the persistent "Little Napoleon" mindset among certain staff has undermined any genuine improvement — regardless of the name. "I see many areas where MPKangar must be improved, but rebranding means nothing if the same attitudes remain. During my recent birthday, I said some civil servants must change their mindset — that was directed at MPKangar staff, not out of anger, but out of concern. "MPKangar is capable, but these 'Little Napoleons' spoil its name. They drag their feet, delay approvals — even simple matters like amending conditions can take years," he said in his address at the ground-breaking ceremony for the new MPKangar Complex at Persiaran Wawasan today. Also present were the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, his consort Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, and MPKangar president Affendi Rajini Kanth. Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin urged every officer and staff member to abandon outdated mindsets and adopt an approach that prioritises development and public service. "It is high time they shed the old mindset in favour of one that fosters development. MPKangar engages with the public daily — if the people do not receive proper service, what is the point of sitting comfortably in a new air-conditioned building? "Service with warmth must be ingrained in every MPKangar employee. Be people-friendly, environmentally friendly, and service-oriented — only then can we talk about a new name or branding," he added. Earlier, the ground-breaking for Wisma MPKangar marked a new chapter for the council, which has operated from its current premises at Persiaran Jubli Emas since 1987. The new building is seen as a timely effort by the state and the council to address longstanding shortcomings at the ageing office, including limited space and inadequate parking facilities that have long inconvenienced visitors.
