The Crown Prince of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah has taken note of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s statement regarding federal allocations to the state, and included a pantun referring to “debt of gratitude”.
“In this regard, I wish to reiterate my position that the state of Pahang should be accorded fair treatment and due consideration,” he said in a brief media statement late yesterday night.
The statement - the first of its kind issued by the crown prince - also featured a traditional Malay pantun, without further elaboration, prompting various interpretations and questions. The pantun reads as follows:
Pisang emas dibawa belayar,
Masak sebiji di atas peti,
Hutang emas boleh dibayar,
Hutang budi dibawa mati.
Earlier today, Anwar said he would ask Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan to prepare a comprehensive explanation on federal allocations to Pahang for presentation to Tengku Hassanal.
He added that the crown prince would also be briefed on the country’s macroeconomic position, current economic pressures, and issues of wastage still occurring across various sectors.
“I respect the crown prince... (but) the allocation for the state of Pahang is substantial, not small. I will ask the finance minister II to write and provide a full explanation regarding allocations for the state of Pahang as well as the current economic situation.
“As citizens, we respect and examine the matter carefully,” Anwar said in response to Tengku Hassanal’s earlier remarks today.
While officiating the opening ceremony of the first meeting of the fifth term of the 15th Pahang state legislative assembly this morning, Tengku Hassanal questioned federal allocations.
According to the crown prince, Pahang has received approval for 133 new projects and 434 continuation projects, with a total value of RM3.386 billion.
“I do not want to see leakages, delays, or wastage taking place. Every sen allocated must be fully utilised for the wellbeing of the people,” he said. - Mkini
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