KUALA LUMPUR: The Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, has stated that Pahang must be afforded fair treatment and consideration by the Federal Government.
In a brief press statement issued by Istana Abdulaziz, Kuantan tonight, Tengku Hassanal said: “I have taken note of the statement made by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim). In this regard, I wish to reiterate my position that the State of Pahang should be given fair treatment and consideration.”
The media statement ended with a traditional Malay poem:
Pisang emas dibawa belayar,
Masak sebiji di atas peti,
Hutang emas boleh dibayar,
Hutang budi dibawa mati.
Tengku Hassanal had, earlier this morning, expressed disappointment over the Federal Government’s decision to ban river sand exports, noting that it has adversely affected state revenue.
While opening the fifth meeting of the fifth session of the 15th State Legislative Assembly at Wisma Sri Pahang in Kuantan, he noted that Pahang — home to the longest river in Peninsular Malaysia — possesses substantial sand deposits that require dredging to ensure smooth river flow and mitigate flooding.
He also pointed out that while the state previously generated tens of millions of ringgit in revenue through sand exports, the Federal Government has since banned the practice — despite land and sand resources falling under state jurisdiction.
Tengku Hassanal also urged Putrajaya to grant Pahang greater autonomy in project implementation, including prioritising Pahang-based companies and contractors for works carried out within the state.
Responding to Tengku Hassanal’s speech, Anwar said that he would direct Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan to prepare a comprehensive explanation regarding federal government allocations for Pahang, to be presented to the Tengku Mahkota.
Speaking after attending the Asean summit in the Philippines, Anwar was quoted by Bernama as saying: “The Tengku Mahkota should also understand the macroeconomic situation, because Pahang’s allocation is substantial, not small.”
“While criticism can be made, I think it is reasonable to first consider the macroeconomic situation, current economic pressures, and any leakages that may be occurring.”