Federal Govt To Continue Assisting Johor’s Economic Development - PM Anwar

PONTIAN, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- The Federal Government will continue to assist the Johor state government in improving its economic standing, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. 

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said federal spending on Johor is among the highest in the country, including allocations for highway projects and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

He said every project implemented in Johor or any other state must deliver significant benefits to the people.

“Congratulations to the Johor state government for its close cooperation (with the Federal Government). We will provide maximum support to uplift Johor’s economic position,” he said when officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the additional building of Pontian Hospital and the ‘Karnival Rakyat MADANI’ here today.

Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Meanwhile, Anwar said that a total of 23 healthcare facility development projects are being implemented by the Health Ministry (MoH) in Johor, with a total cost of RM2.625 billion.

“People can assess that major projects are indeed important… whether in energy transition, electronics, or transformation, including digital technology.

“All of these are important, but ultimately what matters is the child at home, the poor in the villages whom we must look after and try to help resolve their problems,” he said.

The prime minister also urged all parties, including district officers and local leaders, to prioritise transparency, integrity and effectiveness in administration to ensure that approved funds fully benefit the people.

“Johor has extraordinary potential, and with proper management, the state can achieve more significant progress while ensuring that the people continue to receive attention and support,” he said.

On Johor’s revenue claims raised earlier by Onn Hafiz in his speech, Anwar said proper negotiations involving both parties must be carried out to resolve the matter.

“So if that is the case, then negotiate properly. What is important is whether the people fully receive the benefits from federal funds, district funds and state funds.

“These are all technical matters; it doesn’t really matter whether the money comes from the state or the federal government. What matters is that the money reaches the people... that is what is important to me,” he said.

It was reported that Tunku Mahkota Ismail had called for 25 per cent of Johor’s income tax revenue to be returned to the state to ensure development and public welfare can be addressed more effectively without excessive reliance on the Federal Government.

The Regent of Johor made the call following several recent delays, including the opening of Pasir Gudang Hospital, disruptions to the autogate system at the Sultan Iskandar Building and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex as well as delays in flood mitigation projects in the state.

-- BERNAMA