Stop treating Johor like a stepchild, says Sultan
(The Star) – Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar wants the Federal Government to respect the Federation of Malaya Agreement signed in 1948 and 1957 and not violate it at will.
The Johor Ruler expressed disappointment with some of the federal government’s actions, where some of the decisions seemed to ignore the state.
His Majesty said all parties must remember the power of the states enshrined in the agreement.
“Do not make a decision at will, I am disappointed with the federal government’s decision to cancel the appeal of Pulau Batu Puteh claim in 2018.
“The prime minister at the time had made his own decision by ordering the Attorney-General to take a break when the Cabinet had not been formed. Johor was also not consulted at all as the decision involved the state’s land and sovereignty, so I want the government to take stern action against those who violate state power.
“If state powers have been violated then the agreement can be considered void by itself, and Johor is no longer part of the Federation,” added His Majesty.
Sultan Ibrahim said this when opening the Johor state assembly meeting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail here on Thursday (June 16).
His Majesty also expressed sadness that Federal authorities were not carrying out maintenance works on public infrastructures in this state.
“Federal-owned buildings such as Sultanah Aminah Hospital, Sultan Ismail Hospital, Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex are not well maintained.
“The Urban Transformation Centre in Johor Baru is also in need of upgrades of its services and comfort levels,” he added.
Sultan Ibrahim urged the federal government to immediately fulfil its promises to upgrade the North-South Expressway to six lanes, Senai-Desaru Expressway to four lanes and federal roads such as the Johor Baru-Mersing route, which were riddled with potholes and posed a danger to road users.
“I feel that Johor is being treated like a stepchild even though we are among the top contributors to the national economy.
“If this trend continues, Johoreans may agitate towards secession from Malaysia. Perhaps Johor can be more developed if we stand on our own,” His Majesty said, adding that they contributed almost RM13bil annually to the federal revenue.
