KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 24): Government leaders, elected representatives and civil servants should not abuse their powers or commit malpractices, Negeri Sembilan Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir said.

He reminded government officials to practise the check-and-balance principle while carrying out their duties to avoid abuse of power and misappropriation.

Tuanku Muhriz, in his opening speech for the 14th Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly today, reminded all representatives, enforcement officials and civil servants to carry out their responsibilities with full integrity and accountability.

“Recently, Malaysians had been exposed to news on extreme abuse of power and malpractices which can destroy the country.

“What is disappointing is that the abuse of power and malpractices had been taking place for a long time without any effective actions taken by any parties.

“I am grateful the 14th general election had created history in the practice of democracy in the country when the people voiced out through the ballot box, the actions which should have been taken from the beginning against the abuse of power and malpractices before they could even start,” he said.

Tuanku Muhriz also urged all races to understand the needs and interests of each other.

“This understanding is the foundation for a variety of races in Malaysia to live harmoniously within society. State Assemblymen are reminded not to disappoint the people’s expectations of them and to prioritise the people’s needs in policy planning and programme execution,” he said.

On the performance of the State’s economy and finance, Tuanku Muhriz expressed his satisfaction as the State government succeeded in recording a surplus of RM26.31 million in its 2017 financial year.