Kedah ruler calls for harmonious state-federal relationship

ALOR STAR: Sultan of Kedah Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah today called for a harmonious relationship between the state and federal governments.

Sultan Sallehuddin decreed on the importance of political stability for the benefit of the country, the state and the people through economic development projects and welfare programmes.

"I believe in the importance of a harmonious relationship between the state and federal governments. This is to ensure that the government's focus on resolving issues and the people's plights is not affected.

"The country, the state and the people need political stability to reap the benefits of economic development projects and wellbeing programmes that have been planned.

"Without a harmonious partnership between the two, it is the people who will suffer the consequences.

"Avoid over-politicking and always work towards preserving the relationship between each other, especially the relationship between the state and federal governments," Sultan Sallehuddin said in his royal address while opening the sixth term of the 14th State Legislative Assembly at Wisma Darul Aman today.

Sultan Sallehuddin quoted Lord Hewart, the former chief justice of England, in a 1924 judgment: "Justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done."

The ruler said the same principle could be applied in maintaining a good relationship between the state and federal governments.

"The relationship between the state and federal governments must not just be preserved, but it must also be demonstrated as being preserved."

Sultan Sallehuddin expressed his hope that a high level of professionalism between the state and federal governments could be maintained and discussions on development could be accelerated for mutual benefit.

Sultan Sallehuddin has also called on the state government to relook and review outdated fiscal policies and laws to be presented to the federal government.

"In evaluating the annual increasing inflation rate, some of the awards by federal government to the state government should be revised to a new rate that is relevant to the current situation.

"For example, the Capitation Grant under Clause (1)(a) of Article 109 of the Federal Constitution that was last amended 20 years ago through the Capitation Grant Act 2002 [Act 622].

"Therefore, the state government should always be aware and proactive in taking action for the benefit of the state, especially when it concerns her rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution."