Pahang: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, today stressed that every inch of the state's land must be protected from illegal encroachment and unlawful occupation. Al-Sultan Abdullah emphasized that the sovereignty of the state's land and the dignity of Pahang require the law to be upheld without fear or favour and without compromise. "When the law is selectively enforced, that is when justice begins to lose its meaning. And when justice collapses, the dignity of a state collapses with it," His Royal Highness stated.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ruler made these remarks at the investiture ceremony for the state honours, awards, and medals in conjunction with His Royal Highness' 67th birthday celebration at Istana Abdulaziz. The event was attended by the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, and the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah. Al-Sultan Abdullah urged the people not to be swayed by viral social media information or crafted narratives meant to stir sentiments. He warned against parties that pretend to champion the people's cause but actually exacerbate the situation by encouraging illegal land clearing.
His Royal Highness highlighted that some individuals hide behind organizations, political platforms, or use their positions to interfere in enforcement matters. He stressed that these actions betray the state's interests and the rule of law. "Anyone who incites the people to break the law, shields encroachers, spreads misleading information or deliberately inflames the situation for vested interests must be investigated and appropriate action taken in accordance with the law," Al-Sultan Abdullah declared.
Meanwhile, Al-Sultan Abdullah noted that over 1.59 million hectares, or 44 percent of the state's land area, remain gazetted as permanent forest reserves, with additional areas also designated to bolster conservation efforts. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pahang in preserving vast forest areas for national and future generations' benefit. His Royal Highness called for continued support from the federal government through the ecological fiscal transfer mechanism, including financial allocations, to sustain conservation efforts.
The Sultan of Pahang also reminded all Pahang nobles (Orang Besar Pahang) and members of the royal family to uphold the good name of the Pahang royal institution. During the same ceremony, he announced the appointment of Pahang Investment, Industrial Development, Science, Technology, and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Mohammad Nizar Mohammad Najib as the new Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar Pahang.