KANGAR: The Raja of Perlis has put the spotlight on “friends of politicians” who use their connections to get deferments on state taxes and levies they owe.

It has come to a point where the state is unable to collect RM26.4mil.

Although the state collected RM128.9mil in local taxes such as assessments last year, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail (pic) felt that the uncollected amount was substantial and could affect the state administration’s ability to serve the people.

He expressed regret that some politicians in the state would call the director of a certain state agency, which he did not reveal, and appeal to allow certain people another three or five months to settle the owed taxes.

“The amounts they owe may not be returned in three or five months.

“Think about it. If in the past, they were unable to pay up, how are they going to pay in another few months?” the ruler asked the state exco members present during their reappointment ceremony at the palace on Thursday.

Also present was Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man.

The state exco members are reappointed yearly.

Meanwhile, former mentri besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim issued a statement on Saturday calling on Azlan to clari­fy the Ruler’s revelation.

Shahidan also appealed to the state Ruler to reveal the names of the politicians he was referring to so that action could be taken, while other politicians who were not involved would not be implicated.

Azlan was not available for comment.