The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has declined to attend a function to commemorate Selangor Foundation’s 40th anniversary, State Secretary Ramli Mahmud said.

He said the sultan had initially agreed to attend the function with the hope that his presence would inject new spirit for the staff at the foundation and in appreciation of their efforts in helping to improve the performance of students from less fortunate families in the rural areas in Selangor.

“However, the Sultan is shocked and very sad after being informed of the high cost of the function,” he told a media conference today.

The function was planned to be held on Nov 15 at the Tun Dr Ismail Hostel, Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur.

Ramli said the sultan had suggested that the foundation organised a lunch, which would be cheaper, instead of a dinner, but it was not heeded by the foundation.

    

Asked on the cost involved, Ramli said it was more than RM300,000.

The sultan felt that the money could be put to better use if used for education and the welfare of the less fortunate students which was in line with the vision, mission and objective of the establishment of the Selangor Foundation, he added.

- Bernama