Loyalty and respect to King, Sultan now a requirement for business licences

(The Star) – The Pahang government has agreed to impose an additional condition on business licences and permits to curb contempt against the royal institution.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail (pic) said local authorities, departments and agencies that issue permits and licences in the state must stipulate a condition of respect and loyalty at all times to the Sultan of Pahang and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“The state government understands the sentiments of the assemblymen and a large number of the people in this state with regard to the contempt issue.

“This decision is effective immediately. Any violation will result in the permit or business licence being revoked,” Wan Rosdy said in his winding up speech at the state assembly here Friday (April 19).

He said it was hoped the strict condition would serve as an effective preventive measure to tackle the issue.

In his speech, the Regent of Pahang Tengku Mahkota Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah had expressed his concern over the insults against the royal institution and Islam.

Tengku Hassanal said these insults should not be taken lightly and the law must be applied to ensure the prestige of the royal institution was respected by all.

On bauxite mining, Wan Rosdy urged patience, saying that feedback from the recent public hearing on the standard operating procedure (SOP) was being studied by the Water, Land and Natural Resources Ministry.

“Only after studying it, probably making some improvements and finalising the SOP, only then is the minister expected to make an announcement on when mining, transportation and exportation can restart.

“Before the announcement, I hope stakeholders, including the Felda settlers whose land is involved, can be patient for a little longer,” he said.

On another matter, Wan Rosdy said the state government had approved a development allocation of RM30,000 for each Opposition assemblyman this year.

He said the allocation would be issued in a lump sum, showing the state government’s consideration towards the Opposition.

Wan Rosdy said this also showed that the state government’s financial position was healthy.