18 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.
