Sultan Muhammad V has people's welfare at heart - Ahmad Yakob

Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said Sultan Muhammad V constantly shared his views and suggestions on various issues.

"It is customary for me to meet him, as the menteri besar, and openly discuss matters of concern.

"Whatever paperwork discussed is done for the benefit of the people. This is his distinction. We always get his views first and table it in the State Executive Council meeting," Ahmad said in an exclusive interview with Bernama at his office at the Kota Darul Naim Complex here.

Commenting on the appointment of the Regent, Tengku Dr Muhammad Faiz Petra, younger brother of Sultan Muhammad V, as the president of Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council, he said the action of Sultan Muhammad V proved that he was careful in safeguarding the welfare of his subjects.

Sultan Muhammad V made sure that the welfare of the poor was championed by Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council.

Ahmad said as the guardian of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V showed great concern for non-Muslims in the state and had excellent relations with them.

For instance, the Thai community in Tumpat had requested to be allowed to attend his official departure from Kelantan to Kuala Lumpur for his installation as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"Even for the appointment of the chief monks, they would seek the permission of Sultan Muhammad V to do so, showing the existence of an established relationship.

"The Kelantan people are thankful for the appointment of Sultan Muhammad V as Yang di-Pertuan Agong for he is a ruler who is concerned in fulfilling the needs of Islam, a pious son, and role model for his people," said Ahmad.

Sharing similar sentiments, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed described Sultan Muhammad V as a ruler who was heedful of the development needs of the state, ensuring that his people would also enjoy benefits that were comparable to other states in the country.

"For instance, Sultan Muhammad V advocated the construction of an airport and a fishing town in Tok Bali. He personally instructed me to brief him on Kelantan's development efforts.

Sultan Muhammad V is a caring ruler who ensured that problems faced by the public were resolved as he did not want his people to live in misery.