THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021

DAULAT TUANKU

Happy Birthday, Tuanku Many happy returns of the day to the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir who celebrates his 73rd birthday today. 2 Daulat Tuanku THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021

ORDINARILY, a man picking up trash is hardly an attention- grabbing scene. But for motorists driving along ’s Jalan Yamtuan walks the talk Tuanku Munawir, a billboard featuring a man doing just that has been causing double takes. Clad in a short-sleeved T-shirt and fedora and wielding a garbage picker, the man pictured in the With Tuanku, it’s billboard is none other than the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri not just lip service. Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku You know that he Munawir. Those present on the day the has his ear to the image was captured will attest ground and ardently to the fact that the picture was neither a photo opportunity nor follows current issues publicity stunt. be it politics, social The candid photo was taken shortly after the launch of the problems or the state-level World Cleanup Day and environment. Negri Sembilan Bersih (A Clean Negri Sembilan) campaign at the Datuk Dr Kirthi Jeyarajah Lake Gardens here last September. The Ruler, who was scheduled to partake in refreshments at a nearby hotel after the launch, As the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, caught everyone off-guard when Tuanku Muhriz is naturally the he set protocol aside to participate royal patron of many organisations in clean-up efforts at the Seremban in the state. But rather than remain main market. an observer, the Ruler has made it Armed with garbage pickers, a point to take an active interest in Tuanku Muhriz using a rubbish picker to help in the clean-up exercise at the Seremban main market, in Tuanku Muhriz and his sons the various non-profits and clubs September last year. Tunku Ali Redhauddin and Tunku he patronises. Zain Al-’Abidin helped out in the Malaysian Red Crescent Society T-shirts and slacks, took their time passionate the Ruler is when it Besides providing financial aid sprucing-up exercise organised by (MRCS) state chapter deputy to go house to house and chat comes to service. to deserving students, Yayasan the state government and Solid chairman Ramesh Patel, who has with villagers to check on their During their sessions, the Ruler Munarah has also organised Waste Management and Public had the pleasure of working with well-being and give out cash assis- often highlights issues faced by the pre-examination workshops, Cleansing Corporation (SWM). Tuanku Muhriz during several tance. community and discusses ways in medical camps for the hardcore While doing his part, the Ruler MRCS events, said the Ruler kept Resident Asiah Mohd Salleh said which the club can address and poor, and supported causes related also paused to chat with shoppers, himself updated with the society’s she was surprised when Tuanku find solutions for these problems. to special needs children. and more importantly, to offer activities and enjoyed engaging Muhriz walked into her home The issues broached range The foundation’s work is not just motivation to those involved in the with members. unannounced to enquire after her from caring for the environment to limited to helping the needy. clean-up project. “When our branch hosted a family’s well-being and to assess bullying in schools. Causes also include Leading by example comes national level medical camp for the impact of the flood. “Tuanku’s support is not about environmental issues and the naturally to Tuanku Muhriz, who youth several years ago, Tuanku “Tuanku was very friendly and just cutting ribbons at launches. promotion of culture and the arts – celebrates his 73rd birthday today. not only graced the event, but enquired about our well-being. He If Tuanku hears that we are raising subjects that are equally important Tuanku Muhriz is quite accus- participated in our activities even asked if we had managed to funds for a good cause, Tuanku to Tuanku Muhriz. tomed to rolling up his sleeves for alongside our youth members. save our pets,” she said. would be the first person to con- The Ruler, whose second prince community causes – a practice that “Just like everyone else attending Tuanku Muhriz’s involvement in tribute. Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin is a trustee dates back to his days as the inter- the camp, Tuanku followed a CPR charitable initiatives today is just “I remember when we needed of the Chopin Society of , national service director of the demonstration and later practised an extension of the good work that money to purchase a van for enjoys attending classical music Rotary Club Kuala Lumpur Diraja. what he had learnt in a mock he had actively pursued and car- Hospice Seremban a few years recitals and winding down to tunes During the conditional move- resuscitation activity,” he said. ried out during his younger years. back. Tuanku immediately from his favourite artists – Elvis ment control order last year, when contributed RM10,000 via Yayasan Presley, The Beatles and Cliff the state’s blood bank’s supply was Warm and caring Giving support to various Munarah.” Richard. running dangerously low, Tuanku community projects Muhriz was among the first to Ramesh said Tuanku Muhriz Lending a helping hand Passion for music respond to calls to replenish the was often accompanied to events As the royal patron of Rotary stock. by his consort Tunku Ampuan Club Seremban and Rotary Club to the underprivileged Tuanku Muhriz’s love for music A blood donation drive was held Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku , the Ruler continues to Yayasan Munarah – a foundation was fostered during his school at Istana Hinggap in Seremban, Aishah Rohani, who shared the lend his support to various projects to help the underprivileged – was days at the Aldenham School in with the Ruler and palace staff Ruler’s interest in causes that that benefit the community. among the first charitable initia- England, where he led a band donating blood in aid of the urgent served the rakyat. Rotary Club Senawang adviser tives set up by the Negri Sembilan cheekily dubbed The Prince and cause. “Over the years, Tuanku has Datuk Dr Kirthi Jeyarajah recalls royal family several months after the Paupers. True to his mantra of walking graciously allowed us to hold our Tuanku Muhriz’s words to Tuanku Muhriz ascended the But while strumming his guitar the talk, Tuanku Muhriz started the annual MRCS NS awards ceremony Rotarians during their last catch-up throne a little over a decade ago. brings him great joy, the Ruler is a ball rolling by volunteering to at Istana Hinggap,” he said. with the Ruler. The foundation was named in steadfast believer of duty above all donate blood himself before urging “Tuanku is jovial and very “With Tuanku, it’s not just lip honour of the ruler’s parents else. his subjects to do the same. knowledgeable, and topmost service. You know that he has his Tuanku Munawir Tuanku Abdul A just leader whose legal train- Tuanku Muhriz’s humble gesture of his priorities is the younger ear to the ground and ardently Rahman – the ninth ruler of Negri ing instilled in him values such as drew attention to the importance generation.” follows current issues be it Sembilan who reigned from fairness, integrity and accountabili- of donating blood to replenish The Ruler is also the royal patron politics, social problems or the 1960-67, and his consort Tuanku ty, Tuanku Muhriz often espouses the blood bank’s supply and save of CMH Specialist Hospital (former- environment. Ampuan Durah Tunku Besar that are capable of lives. ly NS Chinese Maternity Hospital) “After visiting the victims of last Burhanuddin. thinking critically and rationally to Tuanku Muhriz also paid tribute in Seremban. November’s floods, Tuanku sug- To date, Yayasan Munarah has uphold peace and security in the to those involved in the fight On a visit to the hospital’s gested that we put together pres- reached out to thousands of people country, which was hard-won. against Covid-19, and commended dialysis centre, which provides entations for schools to educate in need and disbursed over The Ruler reiterated his thoughts all Malaysians for proving they subsidised treatment for needy students on the effects of indis- RM7mil in aid. at the investiture ceremony for were able to cooperate and help patients, the Ruler and his consort criminate littering,” he said. Among the recipients whose state honours last year. each other, irrespective of race and took the time to speak to patients Since becoming the club’s royal dreams were achieved with assis- “In fact, the sovereignty of the religion. undergoing dialysis and give them patron in 2009, Tuanku Muhriz has tance from the foundation is Dr country wasn’t achieved easily. “I am truly amazed and at the words of encouragement. also participated in the club’s Shamini Subramaniam, currently a Appreciation should be given to same time, value the dedication of One patient, Gan Kean Ling, events, attending everything from houseman at Hospital Segamat. all national fighters and security all frontliners as well as those when met, remembers being campaign launches to the annual Despite obtaining excellent forces who had shed sweat, tears behind the scenes who are fighting pleasantly surprised when installation of committee members. results during her matriculation at and blood, for the sovereignty and the virus. Tuanku Muhriz dropped in. Dr Kirthi said the ruler had a government college in Kuala security of this country. “I am also proud of the commit- The grandfather from Temiang only excused himself once since Pilah, the daughter of a lorry driver “The people here are made up of ment shown by the rakyat where here said the visit boosted his assuming the role of the club’s father and a rubber tapper mother many different races, religions and many have served as volunteers morale as it was tiring to undergo royal patron. was offered a seat in zoology at a cultures. Be careful in what we during this period and helped out dialysis for hours at a time three “Tuanku has not turned down a local university instead of her first strive and fight for, do not forget in many ways,” Tuanku Muhriz times a week. single invitation over the years. He choice – medicine. the values of the people and the said when opening the state “Tuanku offered his support and is always there to lend his support. The young woman had almost sensitivity of other races,” Tuanku assembly meeting last May. presented us with gifts,” he said, “Even for the one event which given up on her hopes of becoming Muhriz said, adding that a key to Education and community adding that he was touched by was a district Interact conference a doctor, but thanks to a timely maintaining unity and harmony health have always been priorities the Ruler’s warmth and genuine that Tuanku couldn’t attend, intervention by Yayasan Munarah, was to encourage the younger gen- for Tuanku Muhriz, who is also concern for his subjects. he sent his two princes as repre- she was able to pursue her passion. eration to mix and mingle with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s His sentiments were echoed by sentatives,” he said emphasising The foundation helped her peers of various races. (UKM) chancellor and an Honorary residents of Kampung Semarak the ruler’s commitment to service. secure a place in a local medical At a time when most of us are Fellow of the Royal College of and Kampung Datuk Mansor Dr Kirthi and his fellow club school, and financed half the cost too quick to judge our neighbours Surgeons of Edinburgh – an here after Tuanku Muhriz and his advisers, who meet with Tuanku of her studies (the other half was and ever ready to pass sentences honour bestowed upon Tuanku sons made an impromptu stop to Muhriz regularly to update the funded with a National Higher without attempting to seek the Muhriz for his untiring efforts to personally inspect damages caused ruler on the club’s programmes Education Fund loan), as well as truth, those words from a wise and advance medical care for the less by flash floods last November. and seek advice on club-related paid for her books and other caring Ruler are ones we should fortunate. The royals, dressed casually in issues, know first-hand how deeply expenditure. take to heart. THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 3 4 Daulat Tuanku THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 Charitable and musically inclined

Tuanku Muhriz giving words of encouragement to Puziyah Abdul Aziz during a visit to her home in Kg Semarak which was affected by flash A file photo of Tuanku Muhriz playing the guitar with the members of his floods in November band, The Prince and the Paupers, while studying at the Aldenham last year. Looking School in the United Kingdom. on is Tunku Ali (right).

TUANKU Muhriz Tuanku Terengganu royalty. The prince is currently on the Munawir, the grandson of the The royal couple were blessed board of trustees of Teach for country’s first Yang di-Pertuan with three princes – Tunku Ali Malaysia, a non-profit dedicated to Agong Tuanku Abdul Rahman Redhauddin, Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin ensuring Malaysian children have Tuanku Muhammad, was born in and Tunku Alif Hussein Saifuddin equal educational opportunities, no the royal town of on Al-Amin. matter their status. this day in 1948. While raising his young family, He has also completed a At the tender age of 12, Tuanku Tuanku Muhriz also played an Master in Public Administration Muhriz was appointed Tunku active role in non-profit and at Harvard Kennedy School, the Laxamana and a year later, elevat- charitable organisations. public policy and public adminis- ed to the position of Tunku Besar As a member of the Rotary Club tration school of the prestigious Seri Menanti (the most senior rank Kuala Lumpur Diraja, the Ruler Harvard University in the United among the Putera Yang Empat) – a dedicated much of his time and States, and is a pro-chancellor of title he held until his ascension to effort to causes close to his heart, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. the throne as the Yang di-Pertuan including education, healthcare The royal couple’s second prince Besar of Negri Sembilan on and social welfare. Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin was born on October 26, 2009. The Ruler’s untiring efforts July 6, 1982. The Ruler spent much of his to improve the welfare of the Like his older brother, the prince formative years in Negri Sembilan, underprivileged have not gone spent his formative years at attending the Tuanku Muhammad unnoticed. Marlborough College. School in , Tunku Besar One of the country’s foremost Tunku Zain furthered his School in and later, King teaching hospitals, the Universiti education at the London School George V Secondary School in Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical of Economics and Political Science, Seremban. Centre was renamed Hospital graduating with an honours degree When Tuanku Muhriz’s father Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) in Sociology and Government, and Tuanku Munawir Tuanku Abdul in honour of the royal. later, with an MSc in Comparative Rahman, the ninth Yang di-Pertuan In 2016, the Ruler was bestowed Politics. A file picture of a young Tuanku Muhriz with his father, the former state Besar of Negri Sembilan passed an Honorary Fellowship by the The prince is the founding ruler Tuanku Munawir. away in 1967, the then young Royal College of Surgeons of president of the Institute for prince was barely out of his teens. Edinburgh in recognition of his Democracy and Economic Affairs The mantle of Yang di-Pertuan dedication to the advancement of (IDEAS), and sits on the board of Besar of Negri Sembilan was surgery and support of healthcare several corporations as well as assumed by his uncle Tuanku projects in aid of impoverished non-profit organisations. Ja’afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman, communities in Malaysia. A columnist, gifted musician and who held the role for four decades The award is the institution’s avid sportsman, Tunku Zain is until his passing in 2008. highest and recipients include equally comfortable with pen, The young prince went on to former United Nations secretary- piano and squash racquet. pursue his O- and A-Levels at general Kofi Annan. Those who read this paper England’s Aldenham School – a Tuanku Muhriz’s interests, will be familiar with the prince’s school steeped in tradition and his- especially in the fields of education column #ABIDINIDEAS, where he tory, and known for providing its and welfare, are shared by his pens his thoughts on current students with an all-round educa- family, who lend their support in events and social issues. tion. It was at school that Tuanku various capacities to many organi- The prince is a trustee of Muhriz’s love for music was nur- sations, including universities and Yayasan Munarah, Yayasan Chow tured, and where the young prince non-profits. Kit, and the Jeffrey Cheah began performing with his own Tuanku Aishah Rohani serves as Foundation. band – The Prince and the Paupers. the royal patron of the Inner He is also the president of the The Ruler still very much enjoys Wheel Club of Kuala Lumpur – a Negri Sembilan Squash Association strumming his guitar, having fine- branch of International Inner and a royal fellow of Universiti tuned his guitar-playing skills in Wheel, one of the largest women’s Kebangsaan Malaysia. the 1990s. service voluntary organisations in The royal couple’s third child, After completing his studies at the world, and is also the Tunku Alif Hussein Saifuddin Aldenham School, the Ruler took Chancellor of Universiti Sains Al-Amin, was born on Sept 3, 1984. up law at the University of Wales, Islam Malaysia (USIM). During the prince’s childhood, Aberystwyth (now, Aberystwyth The couple’s eldest son, Tunku Tuanku Muhriz and Tuanku University) – a prestigious universi- Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Aishah took up courses in the ty that counts among its alumni the Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz, con- therapy and treatment of children United Kingdom’s Prince Charles. tinues his parents’ charitable work with special needs in the United Tuanku Muhriz graduated with in his role as the Yayasan Munarah States in order to give Tunku Alif, an LLB (Hons) in 1970, and was board of trustees chairman. who was born with special needs, conferred an Honorary Fellowship Born on April 26, 1977, the dash- the best possible care. by Aberystwyth University in 2014. ing prince completed his GCSE and Hands-on parents, the couple Upon graduation, the Ruler A-Levels at Marlborough College in devised a tailor-made programme returned to Malaysia and joined Wiltshire, England, before pursu- to help nurture their son’s the corporate sector, building a ing a degree in History and Social capabilities and enhance his career that spanned the fields of and Political Science at Cambridge quality of life. banking, finance and advertising. University, after which he joined Tunku Alif was doted on by his On April 25, 1974, Tuanku McKinsey & Company in London as parents and older brothers until Muhriz tied the knot with Tunku a management consultant. his passing on Jan 15, 2016. Ampuan Besar of Since his return to Malaysia, The royals continue to support Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Tunku Ali has worked with many awareness and education for A file photo of Tuanku Muhriz and Tuanku Aishah Rohani with their three Besar Mahmud, a member of the organisations. individuals with special needs. children, Tunku Ali (left), Tunku Zain and Tunku Alif (seated). THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 5 6 Daulat Tuanku THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 Keeping up with the changing times

Aminuddin (centre) after tabling the state Budget 2021 at the Negri Sembilan State Assembly in Seremban.

NEGRI Sembilan was not spared keep up with the changing needs when the Covid-19 pandemic of businesses, and have therefore, spread like wildfire across the adopted policies and outlined globe, disrupting economies and incentives that provide a landscape bringing development even in the which is business-friendly and sup- most advanced nations to a near portive of expansion. halt. This, he added, will be the year Having enjoyed exceptional to escalate growth, build invest- Aminuddin has done well for the year despite the Covid-19 outbreak. Programmes for the well-being of the growth in recent years, the out- ment and set the state economy people has always remained the state government’s priority. break caused a slight dent in the towards a prosperous direction. state’s revenue, derailing initiatives For 2020, the state government and hawkers as well as e-hailing that had put it in good stead to do managed to collect RM452.9mil in and taxi drivers. even better than in 2019 when it revenue as against the targeted A sum of RM3mil was allocated registered a 5.1% growth. RM457mil. for petty traders and hawkers and Then, Negri Sembilan, despite The shortfall, Aminuddin said, another RM1mil for e-hailing and being one of the smaller states, was was mainly due to the reduced taxi drivers. only one of four whose growth had collection of non-tax revenue such To further help the rakyat, the exceeded the 4.3% registered at the as premium payment. state government did not increase national level. “We had approved applications water tariffs although this was pro- The pandemic may have delayed to convert land status and planning posed by the federal authorities. whatever plans Mentri Besar approvals for several develop- Assessment and quit rent was Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun’s ments but these had to be either also not raised although Seremban administration had outlined for the cancelled or deferred,” he said add- attained city status in January. year but his team did not waste ing that the services sector, manu- The RM124 monthly rent for all time wallowing in despair, and facturing and agriculture were the People’s Housing Project (PPR) flats focused on finding ways to do bet- state’s top three contributors to its for March and April was also ter this year. gross domestic product. waived. “Almost everything that both you In November, Aminuddin tabled Another RM1mil was also and I, and everyone around the the state’s biggest budget ever to allocated for healthcare frontliners globe had planned for at the begin- get the state economy going again. in the state involved in efforts to ning or late last year, had to be for- A sum of RM560mil was contain the spread and handle gone or brought back to the draw- set aside for 2021, as opposed Covid-19 cases. ing board. to the RM507mil for 2020. Families of those who tested “The unprecedented nature of His government also expects to positive for Covid-19 were also the Covid-19 pandemic has impact- earn RM448mil this year. Aminuddin and his wife Datin Seri Wan Hasni Wan Yusof (right) visiting a given RM500 each and a sum of ed all sectors and is a crisis like no The higher allocation was among a senior citizen in the constituency. RM500,000 was set aside for this other,” he said when launching others made possible after the state purpose. Invest NS 2021. managed to increase its reserves attract some RM294bil in invest- cal agencies were done quickly. To ensure no stone was left Aminuddin’s administration from some RM688mil in 2018 to ments till 2045 and will see the To help rejuvenate the economy, unturned to contain the spread of was forced to defer several new just over RM1bil last year. creation of some 600,000 jobs. the state government had in June the virus, another RM2mil was projects after the number of Covid- It was an increase of some It will have six “heartbeat” pro- last year agreed to offer a 25% dis- allocated for contingency purposes 19 cases increased. RM312mil, savings made from jects with the first being a 1,135ha count on land premiums to devel- as the authorities battled the virus. The laying off of workers due to prudent management of the state hi-tech industrial park in Labu. opers who pay up the entire sum A special trust fund known as the imposition of the MCO and the economy. He said the state government within 21 days of getting the Akaun Amanah Permasalahan subsequent conditional MCO only Of the RM560mil allocated for through its departments and approval for development. Rakyat was also set up to provide worsened matters. this year’s budget, a sum of agencies, will, among others, Apart from paying the amount in basic assistance to those in the Despite the massive shortco- RM153mil will be used as develop- conduct joint promotions to help stages, the state government had lower-income category and daily mings, Aminuddin’s team kept ment expenditure to spur the the private sector promote their also agreed to give a 15% discount wage earners whose income had the midnight oil burning, working economy. products. if the premium is paid up within 60 been affected due to the outbreak. behind closed doors to promote the This, Aminuddin said, will help “We will facilitate this complete- days. Small contractors or those in the state. revitalise several sub-sectors in the ly and provide end-to-end hand- Before that, it took developers G1 class, who were also badly In the end, the state still mana- construction industry including holding. months to get a discount as there affected, were not forgotten. ged to secure some RM5bil in cement, sand, stone, iron, paint, “We have no other choice but to was a long process for it. To ensure they did not go out of investments for 2020, a testament machinery, equipment and cut bureaucracy or the involve- “My administration approved business, the state government that Negri Sembilan was still a machinery. ment of middlemen to get the eco- the discounts to promote more went ahead with the awarding of favoured destination for foreign His administration has also nomy going again,” he said adding development. small infrastructure projects and local investors. taken several measures to address that these were important to instil “This, we hope will also help through a live-stream balloting This was higher than the the crippling effects of Covid-19. confidence in prospective inves- developers to better plan their cash exercise instead of requiring them RM3.68bil it received in 2019 and “Among the initiatives taken was tors. flow,” he said. to physically buy and submit ten- RM2.86bil in the previous year. the launch of the Invest NS Year He said the state administration The state government has der documents. In fact, Aminuddin’s administra- 2021 which we did in December to will also set up a one-stop centre received resounding applause More than 700 projects under tion has upped the bar and set an attract new investments. (OSC) to expedite approvals to from all quarters for the measures the Public Works Department and ambitious target to secure some “Under the initiative, we will attract more investors. taken to help the people during the the Department of Irrigation and RM10bil in new investments this give special incentives to support “The OSC will be like special crisis. Drainage were awarded to success- year based on the interest shown the development of the Malaysian green lanes to make it easier for In March last year, it allocated ful bidders to stimulate the domes- by potential investors. Vision Valley 2.0 project to attract investors to deal with the state RM3mil to assist families from tic economy. “When you invest in Negri more investors,” he said. authorities. low-income households affected by To ensure transparency, officers Sembilan, you are investing in a The MVV 2.0 development will “The members of the OSC will the coronavirus outbreak. from the Malaysian Anti state with strategic land use, effi- be carried out in a 153,411ha new include individuals who can make The money was used to buy Corruption Commission and the cient social services, enhanced growth area spanning from immediate decisions so that we can household essentials which police were invited to monitor the community amenities as well as Seremban to over prevent further delays which is not were then distributed to affected exercise. quality infrastructure and utilities,” 30 years. good for doing business,” he said. individuals, including those who The small infrastructure projects he said. Envisioned to be a world-class Aminuddin said the OSC will also lost their jobs. were worth less than RM100,000 Aminuddin said his administra- metropolis and part of Greater play the role of facilitator and In May, it went a step further by tion recognised the necessity to Kuala Lumpur, it is expected to ensure the approvals from techni- giving RM500 each to petty traders > SEE PAGE 8 THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 7 8 Daulat Tuanku THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021

Aminuddin (left) posing with representatives from all frontliners involved in the fight against Covid-19 in the state during the last Merdeka Day celebration. Putting the rakyat’s well-being first

> FROM PAGE 6 each and involved the construction, mainte- nance, and repair works of roads, communi- ty halls and other public facilities. Aminuddin’s team has Aminuddin’s administration also allocated decided to lead by example RM100,000 to the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) to allow it to by contributing 10% of buy greens and fruits from growers in the their salary to the state’s state affected by the movement control order. Disaster Trust Account as Through the initiative, Fama helped the its commitment to fight farmers market these produce as many retail outlets had been forced to shut down due to Covid-19. the MCO. Before that, some farmers were unable to sell their produce. To help developers who were unable to being affected by Covid-19. sell their high-end properties, Aminuddin’s “We will look at product updates, aware- administration had in June come up with a ness and the tourism events for the year,” new policy allowing expatriates to buy land- he said, adding that the tourism authorities ed properties worth more than RM1mil in have also been promoting the industry via the state. social media such as Facebook and Foreigners and foreign companies were Instagram. also allowed to buy landed strata properties Aminuddin said his administration has worth more than RM1mil and strata units also set aside RM1.42mil to promote and Aminuddin handing over cash aid to old folk at a centre in Seremban that were affected by worth more than RM600,000. organise 23 tourism-related activities and Previously, foreigners were only allowed the Covid-19 outbreak. programmes to be held this year. to buy dwellings worth more than RM2mil. In the first nine months of 2020, 104 exhibitions (MICE) venues and recreation Eight of these activities will be held in Port To help communities further with their employers were forced to lay-off their work- have been badly impacted following the Dickson. activities, all 433 Village Community ers due to the adverse effects of Covid-19. closure of national borders. There are also plans to build a 13km beach Management Councils (MPKK) in the state A total of 1,095 workers lost their jobs out “To minimise the impact on the state econ- train service under the Port Dickson Special were given RM3,000 which was over and of which 925 were locals. omy, the state government in collaboration Coastal Area Draft Plan to further develop above the RM2,000 given for the year. The state government through the with the state Tourism Board and other tourism in the resort town. Apart from organising programmes, the Manpower Department, he said, had closely agencies will increase efforts to increase These are among efforts to transform the additional funds could also be used to pay monitored the situation and made sure the tourist arrivals. resort town into an International Tourism utility bills or other maintenance works at workers received their termination benefits. “This will be done by improvising the pro- City in the next decade. their community halls. In total, some RM30.7mil was paid out by motion of local products such as beach tour- The proposed plan, to be carried out in the employers to those affected. ism, eco-tourism and cultural and heritage stages and covering a 10,434ha area, will Addressing unemployment issue Aminuddin’s team has also decided to tourism,” he said. also see the redevelopment of 11 popular lead by example by contributing 10% of their Aminudin’s administration had also beach stretches in Port Dickson. To address the issue of unemployment, the salary to the state’s Disaster Trust Account as launched “ Indah, Bebas Sampah” The authorities are also revisiting an state government has organised several job its commitment to fight Covid-19. (Beautiful Beach, Garbage Free) campaign at earlier proposal to build a duty-free fairs in recent months. The Mentri Besar and state executive Pantai Saujana in Port Dickson last July after complex which was mooted more than a It has also collaborated with JobsMalaysia council members will do this beginning this the beaches were re-opened to the public decade ago. to provide job matching online and organ- month. after the MCO was eased for the recovery The move is also to strengthen its position ised Karnival Kerjaya (Jobfair) where appli- “We will do this for six months to show period. as MICE, wellness, eco-tourism, cultural and cants are also helped with preparing good that we are in this fight together,” he said. The Port Dickson Municipal Council had heritage and commercial zone. resumes. Aminuddin said there were also plans to also put up loudspeakers along several There is also a proposed river cruise from The number of unemployed in the state in rejuvenate the tourism sectors which was stretches of beach to remind the people to Sungai to , con- the first quarter of 2020 was 16,800 or 3.3% one of the state’s top revenue earners. keep them clean. struction of a bikers cafe, a floating restau- and this increased to 18,200 or 3.6% in the The food, beverage and accommodation “We will also go to the ground to rant and a fisherman’s bay and upgrading second. This was, however, still lower than sectors, travel agency services, transporta- personally see how prepared is the industry Dataran Teluk Kemang and Persiaran the national unemployment rate of 5.1%. tion, meetings, incentives, conventions and to welcome tourists back after months of Pahlawan near the army camps. THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 9 10 Daulat Tuanku THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021

Aminuddin and his wife Datin Seri Wan Hasni Wan Yusof (standing, right) posing for a photo after delivering aid to a Aminuddin (centre) and Rafie (right) launching the NS Integrated Economic Development family in need. Masterplan 2021-2045. Attracting investors to the state

THE Negri Sembilan government has come up with an economic development masterplan which promotes the concept of “living We have prepared a and working” in the state as masterplan for economic opposed to the previous one which encouraged people to stay here but development with the work in the Klang Valley. appropriate strategies State investment, industrialisa- tion, entrepreneurship, education to attract investors and and human capital committee our efforts have brought chairman Datuk Dr Mohamad Rafie Ab Malek said the integrated significant increase in masterplan also outlines its goals investment in Negri for the next 25 years as the state works towards making Negri Sembilan. Sembilan “prosperous, inclusive and sustainable”. Datuk Dr Mohamad Rafie Ab Malek He said the masterplan is divided into three key components which are the Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 (MVV 2.0), Agropolis and Biodiversity. ment wants to bring in hi-tech Among others, it focuses on industries, which require skilled bringing in economic activities tar- and knowledgeable workers. geting the hi-tech industrial sector, “Knowledgeable and skilled especially in Seremban and Port workers will also ensure better Dickson districts, transforming the perks and salaries,” he said. Kuala Pilah, Jempol, and Statistics from the Malaysian Tampin districts as Agropolis Aminuddin (centre) and his state exco members looking at the proposed development in the state in the years Investment Development Authority regions and Jelebu as a centre of to come during the launch of the economic masterplan. show that the state managed to biodiversity attractions. secure more than RM5bil in new “The main economic sector for alternative location,” he said. as honey jackfruit chips. tourist destination in the country. investments for 2020 despite it the state is the MVV2.0, which is a Rafie said the whole develop- He said promoting biodiversity Negri Sembilan, he said showed being a challenging year. new growth area located and ment will be facilitated by the state as the third sector will also benefit a remarkable increase in tourist This was higher than the aimed to complement the develop- government and would focus on the state which was rich in tropical arrivals of 14.6% or 7.86mil travel- RM3.68bil received in 2019, ment of Greater Kuala Lumpur and four economic drivers which were forests with unique flora and lers in 2018 compared to 6.9mil in RM2.86bil (2018) and RM1.41bil the National Conurbation, located high technology manufacturing, fauna. 2017. In 2019, the state received (2017). on the west-side of Negri Sembilan. wellness tourism, skill-based edu- “Jelebu is among the districts 6.4mil tourist arrivals. Several incentives will be offered “Driven by public-private part- cation and research and special- that have great potential in tourism Rafie said the state administra- to attract more investors to the nerships, MVV 2.0 aspires to deliv- ised services. but are not yet fully explored as a tion had also launched the Invest state. er economic impact to Malaysia by There are four main areas tourist destination. NS 2021 plan to further improve These include infrastructure bringing in international and local dedicated for the development of “The state government will the state economy following the maintenance allocation for indus- investors and creating job and MVV2.0 namely Parcel A, Parcel B, embark on an extensive tourism Covid-19 outbreak. trial areas, easier and faster pro- business opportunities,” he said Parcel C and Parcel D with the first and ecotourism promotion and “We have prepared a masterplan cesses through the setting up of a at the launch of Invest NS2021 phase spanning over a 25-year prepare adequate facilities to pro- for economic development with one-stop centre focused on invest- by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri development period covering mote natural attractions such as the appropriate strategies to attract ment assistance, property owner- Aminuddin Harun. 30,000 acres (12,140.5ha). the state Wildlife Park, Lembah investors and our efforts have ship privileges for foreign compa- The overall MVV2.0 development “The second sector that we will Jemaloi and the Kenaboi recrea- brought a significant increase in nies, deferment and discounts on spans across 153,411ha covering be focusing on is Agropolis which tional area,” he said. investment in Negri Sembilan. land premium payment and water Seremban and Port Dickson and is is a concept of development that Rafie said the state government “The Covid-19 public health utility payment rebate. envisioned to be a world-class incorporates the urban elements also plans to further develop Port crisis has led to a global economic Rafie added that in the past few metropolis that was competitive, into a rural settlement and is devel- Dickson as a tourist beach destina- crisis and has now become a social months, the state administration inclusive and clean. oped as an agricultural town. tion similar to UK’s Brighton, which and humanitarian crisis in many through its strategic investment Located close to Kuala Lumpur, “We want to ensure that the agri- is located some 100km south of parts of the world including arm Negri Sembilan Corporation MVV 2.0, he said, is the natural cultural sector that is ventured into London. Malaysia,” he said. has been working hard to attract destination and sponge for the has an economic scale that is to “For people in London, Brighton The state government, he said, investors and industry to the state. spill-over impacts of the Klang produce high-income agricultural is their main tourist destination has introduced a “Double Invest- “The state is committed to ensur- Valley where developments thrive. entrepreneurs who use technology due to its location which is not far ment” policy which main objective ing effective delivery of public “Its strategic location next to improve crop yields and can be away. is to increase the household services to facilitate business to the KL International Airport, developed in areas with limited “But those living in the Klang income for the people in the state. processes,” he said. its proximity to major towns and size,” he said adding that the state Valley usually do not consider Port “This new policy aims to “We are also committed to growth centres in the National government wants to create down- Dickson as a vacation destinations increase the investment value to implementing the Double Conurbation such as Putrajaya, stream products as well. even though it is located so close to provide quality employment Investment policy to achieve Cyberjaya, Kajang and Bangi, and Citing an example, Rafie said Kuala Lumpur,” he said adding opportunities and open businesses investment increments from year its relatively still serene and low- in addition to producing honey that the state government will for the people in the state. to year and improve our purchas- keyed affordable living environ- jackfruit, the authorities wish to improvise facilities in the resort “In the context of employment ing power parity to upgrade the ment makes MVV 2.0 an attractive create downstream products such town and make it as one of the best opportunities, the state govern- living standards of the people.” THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 11 12 Daulat Tuanku THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021

A file photo of Aminuddin (second from left) presenting a certificate to one of the recipients Aminuddin presenting a certificate to a successful recipient of the TUNS grant during a of the TUNS grant Mohd Syazwan Kamaruddin. Also present were state excos Ismail Ahmad ceremony in the Sikamat state constituency last year. (left) and Datuk Dr Mohamad Rafie Ab Malek. Giving aid to entrepreneurs

ONE of the first initiatives undertaken by the industries and had an annual sales of Those between 18 years and 40 years rep- the Agriculture Department, we have government after the 2018 RM300,000 or had less than five full-time resented 46% of the applicants followed by managed to turn 508ha of idle land into general election was to set up the Negri workers were eligible to apply for cash 41-59 years (45.5%) and 60 and above (8.5%). agriculture land in the past two years. Sembilan Entrepreneur Fund or TUNS. assistance. Sixty-five per cent were females. “For this year, the state government will Aimed at producing more successful Under TUNS, each successful recipient was Since TUNS has helped micro-businesses set aside another RM1mil to assist such as to micro-businesses, the state administration given a grant of up to RM3,000. increase their income by up to 15%, the state erect fence, build a piping network, to set aside RM3mil for the purpose in 2019 The programme was so well-received by government has again agreed to keep it provide water pumps subject to a maximum and grants were then given out to 1,046 the people that the state government not going and allocated RM3mil for the pro- RM15,000 per hectare,” he said adding that entrepreneurs. only decided to continue with it but gramme in 2021. another RM1mil will be set aside to provide Those involved in the food, services, increased the allocation for 2020 to RM6mil. This time, the state government also incentives to food growers to produce 5,000 agriculture, beauty, textile, automotive, As of mid-November last year, the authori- agreed to introduce another initiative known metric tonnes of greens and fruits. construction, handicrafts, medical, ties had approved 969 applications involving as TUNS PLUS to further assist these entre- Aminuddin said to help farmers get the telecommunications and information and some RM2.85mil. In total, 2,014 individuals preneurs. myGAP and myORGANIC accreditations, the communications technology and retail applied for the grants. From this year, entrepreneurs will be able state government has also set aside to apply for interest-free loans of up to RM500,000 this year. RM15,000 to further expand their businesses. “They will be able to apply for grants of up “This will help their businesses become to RM10,000 each to get the certifications. more competitive. “This will be good as consumers will know “They can use the extra capital to buy their produce is of good quality,” he said, equipment, advertising or even promote adding that until October last year, 349 food their products,” said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri growers have obtained the recognition. Aminuddin Harun. And to allow hawkers to operate in condu- An additional RM3mil will be allocated for cive environments, Aminuddin said RM3mil this which can benefit up to 200 entrepre- will be spent to build food courts at strategic neurs. locations in the state this year. Apart from TUNS and now TUNS PLUS, the Another RM1mil has been set aside to give state government has also taken several a RM300 one-off incentive to 3,300 hawkers. other initiatives to assist the people ranging The Seremban City Council has also from fresh graduates, farmers, hawkers as relocated some of these hawkers to 39 food well as petty traders. courts which have a total of 817 lots. There is a pressing need for this as the To assist petty traders, the council has also Covid-19 outbreak has caused many workers built stalls at Arked Senawang and another to lose their jobs. 19 at Taman Jaya. One of the programmes it will continue is Lots were also now available at several Siswazah Tani or better known as INSIST-9 other locations such as Dataran Senawang, which was first introduced in 2019. Centrio, Garden Avenue, City Park and Aminuddin said the state administration Taman . decided to come up with this initiative after Aminuddin’s administration had also the Statistics Department had proposed that helped small scale farmers who were not it should venture into the agriculture sector able to sell their produce due to the to help balance the deficit between pandemic. agriculture-based food production and Many were unable to sell their produce to manufacturing. hotels and restaurants as well as tourist “In 2020, 51 graduates were given grants areas after the MCO as imposed. of between RM5,000 and RM10,000 to ven- Some farmers were even forced to throw ture into the agriculture sector. away their produce as there was no market “This not only helped change their percep- for it. tion of the agriculture sector but also helped To ensure there was a continuous supply the state government address the problem of of greens, Aminuddin’s government, in idle land,” he said adding that the move was collaboration with the Agriculture also to reduce unemployment among gradu- Department, introduced a programme to ates. help the farmers. Due to the success of INSIST-9, the state Each farmer was given free fertiliser, pes- government has also set aside RM500,000 for ticide as well as seeds worth some RM5,000. the programme for this year. A total of RM675,000 was set aside benefi- In an effort to increase food production, ting 135 farmers. the state government has also decided to The state also gave RM100,000 to the introduce another programme know as Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority Petani Muda with an allocation of another (Fama) to be used as a revolving capital to RM500,000. buy produce from farmers who were unable “Under the initiative, non-graduates will to market these during the MCO. also be able to apply for grants of between As of Oct 15, 2020, Fama helped farmers RM5,000 and RM10,000 to venture into the market 474metric tonnes of produce worth sector,” he said. some RM806,000. Aminuddin said his administration will Fama had also set up three drive-through also take steps to develop the 10,500ha of centres known as Pasar Segar Terkawal in idle land in the state. Tampin was the largest Seremban, Paroi and Jempol after the pasar district with 4,171ha. tani was closed to contain the spread of “Through collaborations especially with Covid-19. THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 13 14 Daulat Tuanku THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 Well wishes for a much-loved Ruler Happy birthday, Tuanku Muhriz! The rakyat of Negri Sembilan offer their felicitations on the occasion of the Ruler’s 73rd birthday.

Despite being the patron of the Royal I witnessed Tuanku Muhriz’s fatherly The first time I saw Tuanku Muhriz I saw Tuanku Muhriz during a Merdeka Sungei Ujong Club, Tuanku Muhriz side during a tennis friendly at the Royal up close was when he visited my Day parade along Jalan Yam Tuan two never expects red carpet treatment. Port Dickson Yacht Club. Just like any village a few weeks ago with his two years ago and how the crowd rushed When he drops by for a meal, it is dad, Tuanku was on the sidelines sons. I was amazed how simple and to photograph the royal family. Tuanku only with a few aides so as not to cheering his son Tunku Zain on, gracious he was. He walked around the Muhriz is truly a humble ruler who distract club members. He really is while motivating all the players to do village and spoke to the subjects as if he always makes time for events organised down to earth. their best. had known them for a long time. by NGOs or to visit schools whenever he has the time and this shows his concern for the rakyat. Gordon Yong Lin Fooi, 53 Lawyer Zainon Abu Hassan, 75 Royal Sungei Ujong Club Seremban N. Panchalingam, 70 Resident Jagjit Singh, 65 president Retiree Kg Datuk Mansor Retiree

Tuanku Muhriz always speaks During a meeting between Tuanku I have heard so much about Tuanku Tuanku Muhriz truly leads by example. about standing up for what is right Muhriz and Soroptimist International Muhriz and how humble and This is a ruler who is so humble that and being accountable for one’s Seremban club, I was in awe of approachable he is. In fact, I was so he actually went to the wet market in actions. I often quote the Ruler’s words the Ruler’s genuine interest in the honoured to have received cash aid Seremban and joined a campaign to to my law students in the hope that club’s activities, particularly from him personally when he visited us. clean up the area. Tuanku and his sons they will live and work by these programmes that empowered girls All the charity work done by Yayasan used garbage pickers to clear thrash and principles. and women, and his concern about Munarah which he founded speaks this to me is a message from the ruler social issues. volumes of how much he cares for his that it is everyone’s responsibility to subjects. keep our surroundings clean.

Jenny Wang, 48 Property developer P. Lahveenya, 31 Soroptimist International Seremban Laila Baharom, 57 Mohd Noor Yaman, 56 Lecturer Immediate Past President Housewife Self-employed

Tuanku had visited Kg Semarak during Although I have never personally met a recent flood and I was given the task Tuanku Muhriz, a friend of mine who went to brief him. Initially, I was so worried to the Seremban wet market about three about protocol but Tuanku made me feel months ago was surprised when he saw so comfortable. I was also worried if the the Ruler and his sons helping out in a kampung folk would breach protocol when clean-up campaign there. This truly Tuanku spoke to them but they too were goes to show how concerned Tuanku made to feel so at home. Tuanku lent an Muhriz is about the environment and ear to our concerns and that only further that all of us, irrespective of status, must endeared him to the all of us. play our part in keeping our surroundings clean.

Hassan Hussin, 63 Chairman Kg Semarak Village Community Management Gurubachan Singh, 55 Council Bank officer THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021 15 16 THE STAR, THURSDAY 14 JANUARY 2021