We’re not a stepchild, Johor needs funds, Sultan Ibrahim tells Putrajaya

 

Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said Putrajaya’s allocations for Johor were “starkly disproportionate” to the RM13 billion the state contributed to the federal coffers annually. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, has criticised Putrajaya over the lack of federal funds for the state, saying he felt as if Johor was being “treated” like a stepchild.

The sultan urged Putrajaya to give Johor more funds, pointing out that allocations for the state were “starkly disproportionate” to the RM13 billion Johor contributed to the federal coffers annually.

Sultan Ibrahim said he was unhappy at the state of federal government buildings and facilities, especially the hospitals and the immigration checkpoints.

He also lamented the pothole-ridden federal roads and Putrajaya’s unfulfilled promises of expanding the North-South Expressway and the Senai-Desaru Highway.

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“If this trend continues, Johoreans may agitate towards secession from Malaysia. Perhaps Johor can be more developed if we stand on our own,” he said when opening the new meeting of the Johor legislative assembly.

Sultan Ibrahim also said the federal government’s decision to drop its claim on Pulau Batu Puteh at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) impinged on the state’s sovereignty.

“The federal government did not consult Johor on this decision, even though this involves Johor sovereignty,” he said, adding that it was a breach of the state’s rights under the federation agreement.

MORE TO COME - FMT