Reply
Sun 7 Apr, 2019 06:37 am
KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 — Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar has thanked Putrajaya today after the latter was forced to withdraw the ratification of the Rome Statute of International Criminal Court (ICC) following political pressure.
In a statement, the Sultan of Johor also expressed hope that the government will always put public welfare first ahead of political expediency.
“I say thank you to the Malaysian government for hearing the voice of the people to cancel the Rome Statute signed in March,” the ruler said on his Facebook page.
“I also say thank you for respecting and accepting the views of the Conference of Rulers.”
Would it be wrong to remove 'first'? To me, 'ahead of'' suffices, making 'first' redundant?
Thanks.
@tanguatlay,
No, it would not be grammatically incorrect to remove "first".
However, I think that if it is spoken the word "first" adds emphasis, particularly if there is a pause. I might add a comma.
".... the government will always put public welfare first, ahead of political expediency."
@tanguatlay,
You could remove it without changing the meaning, but adding it increases the emphasis. It's a rhetorical device that makes it sound more powerful.
Stumble It!
Tweet This
Bookmark on Delicious
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace