WISE LEADERSHIP AN IMPERATIVE FOR SUCCESSFUL GOVERNMENT - RAJA NAZRIN

IPOH (Malaysia), March 30 (Bernama) -- Regent of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah
said Tuesday that wise leadership is an imperative for a successful government
which is able to strike a balance among people of different religions, cultures,
ethnic groups and economic achievement.

He said the government is duty-bound to fulfil its responsibility to the
people.

"It is incumbent upon leaders to manage the government in a trustworthy and
transparent manner, to be fair and just and to ensure that public order and
safety are safeguarded," he said when opening the first meeting of the third
term of the state legislative assembly Tuesday.

Saying that the government's determination to uphold good governance would
be
appreciated, Raja Nazrin said all should strengthen their resolve to make Perak
a peaceful and prosperous state.

He also said that the world's economy was showing signs of moderate recovery
and based on current indicators, Malaysia should be able to achieve a five per
cent growth this year.

He said that last year, the state government chalked up a revenue of
RM642.2 million (US$1=RM3.25), an increase compared to RM639.2 million in 2008.
The revenue this year was projected to be around RM667 million, he said.

Last year, he said, the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority approved
RM893 million in investment in the state while the state government approved
RM11.6 billion in various industries such as iron ore processing, solar cell
production, setting up of medical college and ship dockyard.

With an increase in revenue, he said, the government would be able to
implement
more people-oriented projects.

"Programmes such as poverty eradication, zero squatters, flood mitigation,
education, nursery, empowerment of younger generation, Orang Asli development
and non-Muslim affairs' development are given priority," Raja Nazrin said.

He called on the state government to continue formulating strategies to reap
benefits from the positive development.

"Managing and administering a government is the collective responsibility of
all," he said.

He also said that the state government should continue to enhance relations
with the federal government and agencies as well as with the private sector.

Raja Nazrin also hailed the Perak development plan called Amanjaya which
aimed at creating sustainable development in the state.

"My government welcomes the role of non-governmental organisations, mass
media, ulama, intellectuals, academia and individuals in making sure Amanjaya is
successful," he said.

-- BERNAMA