ALOR STAR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Greater Kedah blueprint launch ceremony today, cancelled his trip due to health reasons.
The former premier, 99, who underwent treatment at the National Heart Institute (IJN) last week, delivered his address in a recorded video.
"I would like to apologise for not being able to attend as I am not feeling well and have been advised by my doctor not to move much for the time being.
"Even though I cannot make it, my heart is with everyone there. Kedah is very close to my heart."
The blueprint was launched by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
It was reported that Dr Mahathir was admitted to IJN last week due to a lower respiratory tract infection after experiencing a cough.
In his speech, Dr Mahathir touched on the significant rare earth element (REE) mineral reserves in Kedah, which require proper management to generate income for the state.
"The priority now is for Kedah's leaders to ensure that it doesn't just become a raw material producer of REE, but also participates in downstream industries so that the returns are multiplied," he said in his 10-minute speech.
He added that blueprint was a continuation of the plans to develop State Government Four (SG4), which was launched in September.
Kedah is one of the four states involved in it.
"The difference is that SG4 operates from the top down, while Greater Kedah is a bottom-up approach. They do not conflict; instead, they are complementary."