Sultan Abdullah opens state assembly with call for productive debates

KUANTAN: Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah urged all Pahang assemblymen to debate rationally and adhere to the principle of prioritising the interests of the people and the well-being of the state during the State Assembly sitting.

His Royal Highness also called on all assemblymen to always respect, protect, preserve and defend both the federal and the state constitutions in every argument presented, Bernama reported.

“The year 2024 is a significant year with my return to the state of Pahang Darul Makmur which I deeply love and cherish.

“Therefore, I hope that all Pahang assemblymen can fulfil their responsibilities and show commitment, as well as participate in the debate by providing views that can enhance the prosperity and well-being of our state,” Sultan Abdullah said in his royal address at the opening of the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Pahang State Assembly here yesterday.

The Pahang Ruler hopes that all parties will respect the decision of the Kuantan High Court to dismiss the judicial review application by Musang King durian farmers in Raub against the Pahang government’s decision to issue notices for land eviction.

“I hope that the Pahang State Enforcement Unit will not be deterred or afraid, and will continue to proactively strengthen law enforcement actions such as preventive patrol activities, investigations and gathering of information regarding encroachments on state-owned land,” Sultan Abdullah said.

The Ruler also expressed pride in the state government’s efforts to address revenue losses stemming from activities such as agricultural theft and encroachments on state land, with a total of RM2.7mil in fines collected in 2023 compared to RM1.5mil the previous year.

Sultan Abdullah also expressed appreciation for the various achievements of the state government, including the success in increasing revenue collection of over RM1bil for two consecutive years, and hoped that it would not only be maintained but also increased.

The Ruler also congratulated the state government for successfully reducing the number of hardcore poor individuals in the state last year from 4,968 people in January to 1,946 people in December, representing a reduction of 60.82%.

To enhance efforts in attracting investments to Pahang, Sultan Abdullah wants all bureaucratic hurdles causing delays in the application process, whether at state or federal government level, to be eliminated.

“This way, it not only makes our state investor-friendly but also enhances the level of competency and efficiency of all departments and government agencies involved,” His Royal Highness said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/07/pahang-ruler-put-the-people-first