KUANTAN: The Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatudin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, is upset over several Federal Government decisions that are considered not in Pahang's interests and rights.
His Royal Highness said Putrajaya needs to be more aware of Pahang's rights, including in matters of state revenue, project implementation and environmental protection.
He noted that Pahang was among the four earliest states to form the Federated Malay States which became the basis for the formation of Malaysia, and so its sacrifices must be given due attention.
"Pahang has sacrificed a lot to maintain the vast forests, flora and fauna as well as the mountains which are the pillars of ecosystem stability, rain catchment areas and biodiversity in Peninsular Malaysia," His Royal Highness said on Friday (May 8), as quoted by Sinar Harian.
"This sacrifice by Pahang cannot be measured merely by the value of tax contributions to the federation but is greatly significant in terms of environmental balance, especially in Peninsular Malaysia."
Tengku Hassanal was officiating the opening ceremony of the First Meeting of the Fourth Term of the 15th Pahang State Legislative Assembly at Wisma Sri Pahang here.
Tengku Hassanal also expressed disappointment over the decision of the government not to approve Pahang's efforts to increase state revenue through the export of river sand.
His Royal Highness said Pahang has the longest river in Peninsular Malaysia, which necessitated sand deposits to be removed to ensure the smooth flow of its waters and avoid the risk of flooding.
"Previously, we were able to increase state revenue by tens of millions by exporting sand to other countries but unfortunately, the Federal Government no longer allows it, while the land and sand are the state's rights," he said.
In addition, Tengku Hassanal wants Putrajaya to give more power and space to the state government in the implementation of projects, including prioritising companies and contractors from Pahang.
He said that the opportunity to implement projects must be given to qualified and competent state residents, although the appointment of G7 contractors can be made from all over the country.
Tengku Hassanal stressed that Putrajaya must review the matter and return such rights to the state.
"Let it not come to pass that one day, the state of Pahang takes action against the Federal Government.
"I request the esteemed state legal adviser to carefully study what recourse we have in this matter," His Royal Highness said.
