‘Sleeping giant’ SG4 needs common vision to unlock wealth, Dr M says

The people of the four opposition-led states, also known as SG4, must share a common vision to fully harness their wealth and newly identified resources, according to former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Mahathir said that since the SG4 initiative was introduced, leaders from Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Perlis had become increasingly aware of their strengths and development potential, particularly beyond traditional economic activities.

The SG4 adviser said Kedah, traditionally associated with padi planting and production, was styling itself as a manufacturing hub while Kelantan was seeking to make its agricultural sector more commercial rather than only self-sustaining.

Terengganu, meanwhile, is exploring downstream petroleum activities instead of relying solely on royalties, while Perlis aims to expand cross-border trade, he said.

Mahathir, who described SG4 as a “sleeping giant”, said its people remained the states’ greatest asset in unlocking their full potential.

“If the people in these states do not share the same dreams, then whatever wealth that can be potentially exploited will not amount to much,” he said at the SG4 Business & Economic Forum 2026.

Mahathir’s speech was delivered by his son, Mokhzani, as the former prime minister has yet to fully recover from health problems.

Mahathir also rejected the perception that people in the four states lacked business acumen, saying many successful Malay entrepreneurs in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and the west coast states originated from SG4 states.

Islamic values

He also highlighted certain attitudes among segments of the Malay community that he said could hinder progress, including a tendency to seek shortcuts and quick gains, putting aside honesty and trustworthiness.

“That has indeed been the bane of the Malay Muslims in the country, and focus is always turned on the SG4 states because the majority living there are Malay Muslims,” he said.

Mahathir said Malays had the potential to become successful traders and entrepreneurs, linking this to the values emphasised in Islam.

“After all, Islam always reminds Muslims of the gravity of punishment for those cheating and stealing, and that honesty provides among the highest merits,” he said.

“Even for that matter, for the benefit of those in the food and beverage industry, cleanliness is the essence of a Muslim life,” he said.

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