Nurture good federal, state govt relations — Johor Sultan
MUAR: The good relations between the federal and state governments must be nurtured and respected to build a more peaceful and prosperous Malaysia, said the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.
He expressed the hope that the federal government would continue helping the state governments because progressive states would help build a strong federation and a prosperous country.
“All quarters must remember and understand the basis of the formation of the Federation of Malaya, for without the states, there will be no federation,” the Sultan said when opening the Bukit Kepong Emergency Gallery in Bukit Kepong here yesterday.
Also presentwere thePermaisuri of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah, and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Sultan Ibrahim said the power of the federal government was given upon the approval of the Malay Rulers, as the supreme heads of their respective states, in the Federation of Malaya Agreement.
“I have no intention (for Johor) to break away from the federation, but I just want to remind the federal leaders not to forget the rights and interests of the states, as well as the powers of the Malay Rulers which cannot be questioned or reduced,” he said.
On the issue of Pulau Batu Puteh, Sultan Ibrahim said the island must be defended and protected as it is part of the country’s sovereignty.
“I still remember what my late father said, that Pulau Batu Puteh belongs to Johor.
“Although it is just a small island, every inch of Johor must be protected.
“This is because it symbolises Johor’s sovereignty and is also part of Malaysia’s sovereignty,” he said.
The Sultan also called on all Malaysians to pray for Malaysia’s success in the application for a judicial review of the case involving ownership of the island at the International Court of Justice. — Bernama