‘DON’T LISTEN
They are ignorant of Johor history, state administration, says Sultan Ibrahim
AHMAD FAIRUZ OTHMAN AND RIZALMAN HAMMIM JOHOR BARU news@nst.com.my
SULTAN of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has urged the Johor government against being influenced by people from outside the state when it comes to making its decisions and policies.
He reminded the state government that those from outside Johor were not aware of Johor’s history and ways of administration, and that these outsiders were ill-informed about the Johor ruler’s role in upholding the interest of the people.
“The government has been reminded to be careful when making decisions and not to be influenced by the words and insistence of outsiders, who did not know about the history and ways of administering the state.
“For instance, the proposed Johor Housing and Real Property Board Enactment 2014, which was prepared by the state legal adviser and presented to me, had been amended when outsiders questioned the power of the ruler in that enactment.
“There were some narrowminded media who questioned whether a ruler’s power should be given in the enactment.
“Such newspapers are of no value and are only useful to wrap nasi lemak. The enactment was done correctly based on the template of Johor government enactments used before this, such as the Johor Corporation Enactment in 1968,” said Sultan Ibrahim in a speech when opening the fifth proceeding of the 13th State Assembly at Bukit Timbalan here yesterday.
The speech was read by Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who was the sultan’s official representative to the event.
Sultan Ibrahim said the power vested in the ruler was enshrined in the Johor State Constitution since it came into force in 1895.
“The ruler’s power must be maintained to balance political power and to uphold the interest of the people and state.
“Look at what happened recently when a politician was charged for graft or abuse of power related to a Johor housing issue.
“But I must remind everyone that the case must not be debated as it involves an ongoing legal process.
“Let it be decided by the courts,” he said when referting to Datuk Abd Latif Bandi, who resigned as a state executive councillor on April 20. area before planting the crops.
“The land owner has been operating along the forest reserve border. He encroached on forest reserve to plant other crops. Our rangers destroyed the crops and
Sultan Ibrahim said the investigation by the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) against Latif should not be seen as a way to weaken the Johor administration.
“It should be seen as a strength whereby the question of integrity cannot be compromised.
“I hope the state government and the MACC will continue to work together to improve the integrity of public servants and study weaknesses in government procedures which are susceptible to corruption,” he said.
On a related matter, Sultan Ibrahim said any policy proposed by the state government must be done with input being sought from all relevant stakeholders. warned him not to repeat the offence.
“The Forestry Department will not condone illegal farming activities as this will harm the forest reserve.”