Sultan of Kedah Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah said that there is an urgent need to strengthen the transport and communication network infrastructure in the state.
Sultan Sallehuddin said that it is very important for Kedah to have another cargo-based international airport, to facilitate the movement of goods in and out and for exports abroad.
According to His Royal Highness, the Kulim International Airport (KXP) development plan, within the framework of the Kedah Aerotropolis development, will meet those requirements and act as a game changer which will strengthen the state’s economic landscape.
He also expressed hope that the Kedah and federal governments can work together and that the leaders are able to set aside personal feelings in managing development-related matters.
“It would be a great loss if this development project was not implemented, simply because of the difference in political views and understanding between the leaders at the state and federal levels, thus neglecting the far more important needs of the state and the country,” he said.
Sultan Sallehuddin said this in his speech during an investiture ceremony held in conjunction with his birthday celebration at Istana Anak Bukit, today.
At the ceremony, His Royal Highness also consented to the establishment of the Sultan of Kedah Trust Fund (TASK), which aims to help ease the burden of the poor and balance the economic distribution, so that it is more fair and equitable.
“I want TASK to serve as a forum for all parties to join hands, and be devoted as well as kind to the needy.
“Indeed, this charity is not just about helping the family by providing clothes, food and drink, but it is hoped that it will give brighter opportunities to the children to progress in education,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sultan Sallehuddin wants the discussion about the history of Kedah, especially regarding the position of Kedah and Penang, should be deliberated on legitimate and actual facts.
According to him, it would be better if these facts were studied in a proper and well-organised manner so that they can be used as a point of reference and benefits the future generation because history is the most important source of wisdom in teaching the arts of nationhood.
His Royal Highness also said that past events had put Kedah in a difficult situation and that it had had to agree to one-sided agreements should be used as a guideline and reminder to be more vigilant in the future.
“The struggle to protect the rights and sovereignty of the state is no longer on the battlefield, as it was done by previous state warriors. The field of struggle is now at the negotiation tables and through writings,” he said,
Also in attendance at the investiture ceremony were the Sultanah of Kedah Sultanah Maliha Tengku Ariff, Raja Muda of Kedah, Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin and Raja Puan Muda of Kedah, Che Puan Muda Zaheeda Mohamad Ariff.
Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and his wife, Tok Puan Jusmalailani Jusoh were also present.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency