Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on citizens of Johor living in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to make their way back home to vote in the upcoming state election on July 11. At a recent gathering in Kulai, Johor, Anwar emphasized the critical role that each vote plays in determining the future of the state. He urged young voters and those working abroad to seize the opportunity to participate, underscoring that while the election results won’t impact his position as Prime Minister, they will significantly influence Johor’s governance.
Anwar took the opportunity to delineate the responsibilities of federal and state governments. He assured that the federal government would continue to manage significant infrastructure initiatives, such as the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link. He advised that state authorities should prioritize addressing local concerns, which include the upkeep of public housing, supporting small businesses, and improving community services.
The Prime Minister pointed to advancements in public housing achieved by other Malaysian states through collaboration with the Housing and Local Government Ministry. He suggested that Johor could benefit from similar efforts to enhance local governance. Anwar’s remarks highlighted the potential for Johor to develop by adopting successful strategies from other states.
In comparing the welfare distribution systems, Anwar noted that the federal government’s method involves direct financial transfers to beneficiaries, eliminating the need for in-person queues. He highlighted this as a more efficient approach than the one currently used by Johor’s state administration. Anwar also revealed plans for the federal government to broaden welfare assistance in the future, although he did not elaborate on specific details.