He said the ruler was instead referring to branding initiatives to position Perlis as an international trade hub.

“Many have misunderstood him and politicised the issue to suggest that the Perlis government seeks recognition similar to Dubai in terms of building skyscrapers.

“The ruler was actually referring to a trade concept involving the sourcing and marketing of goods from other regions, a model practised in Dubai that we are trying to emulate,” Berita Harian reported him as saying today.

Abu Bakar pointed to an international marketing programme recently organised by the Malaysian National Co-operative Movement (Angkasa) as an example of the state government’s efforts.

Earlier this week, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said Perlis can emerge as a “second Dubai” and become an open gateway to the Asean region due to its strategic location bordering Thailand.

He said Perlis could develop into a centre for trade, innovation and regional economic activity within the next few years.