KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today held a meeting with Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli and his state executive councillors, completing his tour as the State Government Four (SG4) adviser to the state governments held by Perikatan Nasional (PN).
In a statement, the Malay Proclamation secretariat chairman Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan said the former prime minister had a meeting at the Menteri Besar's official residence, briefing the Perlis state government on the economic development plan under the 'SG4' coalition.
"Dr Mahathir also emphasised that even though Perlis is a small state, it has a high potential to be developed.
"The meeting, which was held in a positive atmosphere, received good reactions from the menteri besar and his state executive councillors."
He added that Dr Mahathir had given a very high commitment to continue to guide and help the state of Perlis and the three other states under the 'SG4' coalition to continue developing rapidly on par with other states in Peninsular Malaysia.
"Dr Mahathir also stressed that Perlis should study and invest in state assets that have the potential to attract local and foreign investors.
"The administrative concept based on 'Malaysia Incorporation' between the government and the private sector should be emulated by all states under 'SG4' because the role of the private sector is very important as a catalyst for economic development.
"The Perlis government should implement the concept of joint ventures with private investors without allowing land in Perlis to be sold in order to guarantee long-term income returns to the state government," he said.
On Sept 14, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar announced that all four PN-led states would set up a new faction, calling themselves "State Government Four", or "SG4".
He said that state government leaders from Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis had agreed in principle to form the cooperation.
He had also ordered the Terengganu executive council to hold talks with their counterparts in the other three states.
Dr Mahathir, meanwhile, would be its unofficial adviser, focusing on effective and efficient governance.
Samsuri, who is also Pas vice-president, said Dr Mahathir's role was also to connect the four states with investors from countries like Japan and South Korea that have good ties with him.