THE new Johor menteri besar must ensure that the state government does not waste time talking and defaming others, said Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar today.

The state government should instead focus on helping the people and improving the economy, he advised Dr Sahruddin Jamal today.

He said this at Istana Bukit Serene in Johor Baru after Sahruddin was sworn in as the new menteri besar, replacing Osman Sapian.

“I hope he will carry out his duties sincerely and gives precedence to the state’s needs instead of his personal or political needs,” he said.

The sultan also urged Sahruddin to focus on river pollution and ensure clean raw water supply.

“My advice to the state government is not to waste time in talking about unbeneficial things, defame others and create stories just to confuse the people.

“Pay attention to help alleviate the people’s sufferings and increase the economic growth of the country.”

Bukit Kepong assemblyman Sahruddin became the new Johor menteri besar after the swift resignation of Osman earlier this week.

Sahruddin, 43, is a first-term assemblyman and was Johor Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairman. – April 14, 2019.