08/05/2026

FRIDAY | MAY 8, 2026

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‘Ruler emphasises effective action, not empty promises’ SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Council of the Royal Court has stressed that the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, in line with His Royal Highness’ role as Head of State, places strong emphasis on effective action rather than empty promises in addressing the people’s problems.

PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has issued a powerful reminder regarding the dangers of political graft, citing the words of former United States president Harry S. Truman to underline the ethical boundaries of public service. In a statement released via the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page yesterday, the Sultan expressed his desire to share these poignant observations with the public. The first quote highlighted by the Sultan states: “No man can get rich in politics unless he’s a crook.” The Sultan also emphasised that the presence of excessively wealthy politicians serves as a definitive indicator of a society that has become fundamentally compromised by graft. “The Sultan also graciously shared a follow-up quote, which reads: ‘If the wealthiest people in your society are politicians, that society is fundamentally corrupt’”. “A reflection for all of us. May it be beneficial.” This royal message arrived during a period of heightened public scrutiny regarding integrity in the civil service. It aligns with ongoing government initiatives aimed at dismantling systemic corruption and fostering a culture of transparency in Malaysia. Stem political graft, says Selangor Sultan Absolute ‘no’ for swine farming in state PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has reiterated His Royal Highness’ firm opposition to pig farming in any district across the state, declaring that the issue should be brought to a definitive “full stop” to safeguard environmental sustainability and public harmony. In a statement issued yesterday through the Sultan’s private secretary Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani, His Royal Highness said the position remains consistent with the royal decree issued on Feb 10, which called for a complete halt to pig farming activities in Selangor. His Royal Highness said the stance was reached after taking into account the environmental impact of pig farming, including land and air pollution, as well as the risk of river contamination caused by the discharge of pig waste. The Sultan also expressed concern over the possible impact on water catchment areas and rivers supplying treated water to nearly nine million consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. “His Royal Highness said modern pig farming systems that comply with environmental standards would involve extremely high costs and are impractical solely to meet pork demand in Selangor,” the statement said. As an alternative, His Royal Highness proposed that pork supplies be imported from other states, including Sarawak, to meet the needs of non-Muslim communities in Selangor. “Even countries such as Singapore do not rear pigs and instead import pork from external sources,” the statement quoted His Royal Highness as saying. Sultan Sharafuddin had also proposed that the government issue import licences to ensure sufficient pork supply for non-Muslims in the state. His Royal Highness further stressed that pig farming is unsuitable for Selangor due to limited land availability and high land values, which could be better utilised for developments offering greater economic returns. Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

It said any advice, reprimand or reminder by the Sultan constitutes important counsel from the Ruler to ensure that the state administration is carried out with full responsibility. “Based on the principles of a Constitutional Monarchy, the Sultan of Selangor does not wish to act as a ‘rubber stamp’ or merely a formality in carrying out His Royal Highness’ functions as Sultan. “The Sultan acts as a ‘check and balance’ against the executive to ensure that the interests of the people are always safeguarded and protected,” it said in a statement. “The Selangor Council of the Royal Court is confident that Sultan Sharafuddin, who has 25 years of experience as the Sultan of Selangor and 33 years as the Raja Muda of Selangor, fully understands and appreciates His Royal Highness’ role under the law, in line with the Constitutional Monarchy system.” The statement was issued to refute negative and skewed views from certain political leaders and parties who claimed that Sultan Sharafuddin’s royal address at the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Selangor State Legislative Assembly last month had interfered in the administration of the state government and violated the concept of a Constitutional Monarchy. It added that the royal address delivered on April 20 was in line with the role of a Ruler within a Constitutional Monarchy system. According to the council, the address was intended to ensure that all actions of the state government are in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the Laws of the Constitution of Selangor 1959, while taking into account the interests and wellbeing of the people, Bernama reported. “In the context of Selangor, the menteri besar is required to consult the Sultan in all matters of state administration involving the interests and welfare of the people.

The Selangor Council of the Royal Court said any advice, reprimand or reminder by the Sultan constitutes important counsel from the Ruler to ensure that the state administration is carried out with full responsibility. – BERNAMAPIC

It added that the Sultan frequently received complaints from the public on various issues such as floods, waste collection, potholes and other matters that directly affect daily life. “The complaints submitted to His Royal Highness are not anonymous but are accompanied by the complainants’ names, addresses and contact numbers as proof that they are genuinely affected.”

“Consultation means that the Sultan has the right to be informed by the menteri besar on matters of state administration, enabling His Royal Highness to be aware of developments while providing advice before any decision is finalised. “The Sultan’s views and advice are based on the interests of the people, without being influenced by political considerations.”

Guidelines soon on working hours limit for doctors

registration and recognition process for medical graduates in Malaysia is subject to the provisions of the Medical Act 1971 and the regulations currently in force. “All decisions related to registration, training and professional qualifications are implemented based on statutory requirements and standards set by the MMC.” He added that from a legal standpoint, medical qualifications listed under the Second Schedule of the Medical Act 1971 are recognised for registration purposes in Malaysia. In line with its role as a regulatory body, the MMC remains committed to ensuring that all registered medical practitioners in Malaysia meet the required standards of competency, professionalism and patient safety. Under the new regulations, priority is only given to graduates who undergo their studies and training physically in the UK, affecting NUMed Malaysia students who complete their studies in Malaysia under the category of international medical graduates.

o Move follows Malaysian Medics International report on up to 85 hours per week recorded with current practice

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry will issue a circular on guidelines for working hours limit for house officers in the near future, said its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the move follows a report by Malaysian Medics International, which claimed that house officers in the country work between 65 hours and 85 hours a week. “A new guideline circular will be issued to strengthen matters related to the working hours of house officers, and this matter is receiving the attention of Health Director-General Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab.” Dzulkefly was speaking after officiating at the launch of the 5th Annual Clinical Research Malaysia Trial Connect Conference yesterday. He said the circular is expected to

improve the governance of the existing flexible working hours system in accordance with regulations set at the country’s health facilities, Bernama reported. On another matter, Dzulkefly said the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) would examine policy changes following the implementation of the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026 by the United Kingdom, which changes the entry requirements for the foundation programme (FY1/FY2). He said Mahathar would scrutinise the matter and seek solutions for about 850 Malaysian medical students at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed Malaysia), who are facing uncertainty over their future following the implementation of the policy. “MMC wishes to stress that the