Tengku Hassanal planting the Podocapus plant at the Launching of 100 Eco-Schools Pahang.
TENGKU Mahkota Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah is continuing to champion environmental conservation despite his duties as Regent of Pahang coming to an end by next year.
While noting that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah would be returning next year as the Sultan of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal also recently urged the state government to keep on pursuing sustainable development.
Tengku Hassanal said natural resources would not last long if there was no management and organised planning.
“So far, the natural resources of Pahang are expected to be able to last for 150 years. However, I want it to be able to last for 300 years or even more.
“We have no choice. We need to develop a strategy to shift from traditional economic resources such as minerals and timber to alternative sources,” said Tengku Hassanal.
Tengku Hassanal added that if there was focus, Pahang could not only be self-sustaining, but also be a major contributor to the country’s economy and net zero emissions.
“Therefore, I want my government to practise sustainable development based on the upholding of environmental, social and governance principles in every project to guarantee the welfare and prosperity of the people,” Tengku Hassanal said.
Tengku Hassanal also said he often received reports on enforcement activities on trespass, theft of minerals, and illegal encroachment of forest reserves.
“I see that our enforcement activities are still at a weak level and need to be improved.
“Yes, Pahang is really vast. But this cannot be an excuse not to act aggressively against the thieves of Pahang’s treasures.
“No matter what, enforcement activities have to be enhanced. I want all enforcement agencies to be strict and brave,” Tengku Hassanal said as he urged the government to find a way so that enforcement could be improved, and suggested allocating a suitable budget for it so these tasks could be performed well.
Tengku Hassanal visiting the WWF-Malaysia booth at the Can Nature Retreat 2023 at Awana Resorts Genting Highland on July 17. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
Tengku Hassanal was appointed as the Pahang Regent by Al-Sultan Abdullah upon taking on the role of Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2019. As the Regent, Tengku Hassanal is carrying out state duties in the stead of Al-Sultan Abdullah while he is serving his term as King.
This is provided under Article 18 of the Laws of the Constitution of Pahang, where the Sultan can decree the appointment of a Regent or a Regency Council.
If a Regent has not been appointed after more than 15 days of a Sultan of Pahang carrying out the duties of Yang di-Pertuan Agong, then his state duties must be executed in his name by a Regent or a Regency Council.
A Regent must be a Malay of Pahang, of Muslim faith and of royal blood. As for the Regency Council, it must be made up of at least three Malay-Muslim members from Pahang but does not need to be of royal blood.
Should a Regent or a member of the Regency Council pass away or are not able to carry out state duties, another replacement can be appointed to fill the vacancy.
Going by tradition, the Tengku Mahkota Pahang, who is the heir apparent to the Pahang throne, will usually assume the mantle of Regent.
Tengku Hassanal had his early education at SK St Thomas in Kuantan, Caldicott Preparatory School and the Sherborne School in the United Kingdom.
Tengku Hassanal graduated with a degree in International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy in Switzerland and proceeded to training and then commissioned at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Britain.
Tengku Hassanal previously held the title of Tengku Panglima Besar Pahang.
