‘Hutang budi dibawa mati' Pahang Tengku Mahkota cites proverb in call for fair federal treatment

SHAH ALAM - The Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah has reiterated his call for careful consideration and fair treatment for the state, reaffirming that such treatment must be accorded by the federal government.

“I take note of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement.

“Pisang emas dibawa belayar, masak sebiji di atas peti. Hutang emas boleh dibayar, hutang budi dibawa mati," read a post on the Kesultanan Pahang Facebook page.

The Malay proverb, which speaks of a debt of gold being repayable but a debt of gratitude enduring beyond death, was widely read as a reminder to the federal government of Pahang’s long-standing contributions as one of the founding states of the Federated Malay States.

At the heart of the matter is the federal government’s ban on river sand exports, a move His Royal Highness described as a blow to Pahang’s revenue stream.

He expressed disappointment over the decision, saying it has hindered the state’s revenue growth.

Speaking at the opening of the state assembly sitting on Friday, Tengku Hassanal said Pahang, which has the longest river in Peninsular Malaysia, has substantial sand deposits that need dredging to ensure smooth river flow and prevent flooding.

His Royal Highness said that the dredging of river sand was not merely a commercial activity but an environmental necessity that served a dual purpose of preventing floods while generating vital income for the state.

Tengku Hassanal said the federal government no longer allows river sand exports, even though land and sand resources are state rights.

He said Pahang previously generated tens of millions of ringgit in revenue through sand exports to other countries, but the federal government has since banned the practice, despite land and sand resources falling under state jurisdiction.

Tengku Hassanal also noted that Pahang was among the four earliest states to form the Federated Malay States, a historical reference highlighting the state’s foundational role in the nation’s formation.

The remarks prompted a response from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was attending the 48th Asean Summit in the Philippines.

Anwar acknowledged the royal concerns but urged a broader perspective.

“The Tengku Mahkota should also understand the macroeconomic situation, because Pahang’s allocation is substantial, not small,” he said.

He added that while criticism can be made, it is reasonable to first consider the macroeconomic situation, current economic pressures, and any leakages that may be occurring in various sectors.

In response, Anwar said he will ask Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan to provide a comprehensive explanation on federal allocations for Pahang.