SHAH ALAM, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- A decision on the status of a Selangor state seat is expected to be finalised this week, after which the Election Commission (EC) will determine whether a by-election is required, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said today.
He said the state government was awaiting formal notification from the Selangor State Legislative Assembly Speaker on the status of the seat, while the state legal adviser was preparing a note before the matter was conveyed to the relevant parties.
Amirudin said the matter was the Speaker's prerogative and that the state legal adviser was expected to complete the necessary note this week before the Election Commission (EC) decides whether a by-election was necessary.
“We will abide by whatever decision the Election Commission makes following the Speaker's announcement,” he told reporters after the Menteri Besar's Assembly with civil servants and the launch of the Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign here.
Amirudin said the state government would comply with all legal processes and any decision made by the EC on whether a by-election should be held, in accordance with the relevant legal provisions.
Earlier, media reports said the state government was examining whether a by-election would be necessary following allegations concerning the eligibility of a Selangor state assemblyman.
In a separate development, Amirudin said the state government continued to take proactive measures to address the issue of stray dogs in Selangor to safeguard public safety.
“We have been taking continuous action because, ultimately, the government must act in the public interest.
“The issue arises because of certain actions, but those actions must not be cruel or undermine compassion. Enforcement must therefore be carried out with restraint, and that is the balance we need to strike,” he said.
He also dismissed claims that local authorities acted only when there was public pressure over animal welfare, stressing that community safety in relation to stray animals had always been a priority and had previously been raised in the State Legislative Assembly.
Amirudin said the state government had also taken note of the concern expressed by the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, over animal welfare and remained committed to ensuring enforcement was carried out humanely.
“Action has indeed been taken. Why are our officers being blamed? Because they acted. But if no action is taken, public safety becomes an issue.
“So we have to strike a balance by acting in accordance with the law to prevent incidents involving stray dogs or other roaming animals that could jeopardise public safety. This matter was also raised by the Port Klang assemblyman in the State Legislative Assembly, so people should not be selective in making accusations,” he said.
Earlier, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin expressed sadness, disappointment and anger over recent incidents of cruelty involving pets and stray animals, particularly dogs and cats, which had gone viral.
Istana Alam Shah also said that the Tengku Permaisuri had urged the Federal Government to review penalties under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 to ensure stricter and more consistent enforcement against offenders convicted of animal cruelty.
Amirudin said the matter was the Speaker's prerogative and that the state legal adviser was expected to complete the necessary note this week before the Election Commission (EC) decides whether a by-election was necessary.
“We will abide by whatever decision the Election Commission makes following the Speaker's announcement,” he told reporters after the Menteri Besar's Assembly with civil servants and the launch of the Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign here.
Amirudin said the state government would comply with all legal processes and any decision made by the EC on whether a by-election should be held, in accordance with the relevant legal provisions.
Earlier, media reports said the state government was examining whether a by-election would be necessary following allegations concerning the eligibility of a Selangor state assemblyman.
In a separate development, Amirudin said the state government continued to take proactive measures to address the issue of stray dogs in Selangor to safeguard public safety.
“We have been taking continuous action because, ultimately, the government must act in the public interest.
“The issue arises because of certain actions, but those actions must not be cruel or undermine compassion. Enforcement must therefore be carried out with restraint, and that is the balance we need to strike,” he said.
He also dismissed claims that local authorities acted only when there was public pressure over animal welfare, stressing that community safety in relation to stray animals had always been a priority and had previously been raised in the State Legislative Assembly.
Amirudin said the state government had also taken note of the concern expressed by the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, over animal welfare and remained committed to ensuring enforcement was carried out humanely.
“Action has indeed been taken. Why are our officers being blamed? Because they acted. But if no action is taken, public safety becomes an issue.
“So we have to strike a balance by acting in accordance with the law to prevent incidents involving stray dogs or other roaming animals that could jeopardise public safety. This matter was also raised by the Port Klang assemblyman in the State Legislative Assembly, so people should not be selective in making accusations,” he said.
Earlier, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin expressed sadness, disappointment and anger over recent incidents of cruelty involving pets and stray animals, particularly dogs and cats, which had gone viral.
Istana Alam Shah also said that the Tengku Permaisuri had urged the Federal Government to review penalties under the Animal Welfare Act 2015 to ensure stricter and more consistent enforcement against offenders convicted of animal cruelty.