BATU PAHAT, July 2 — Pakatan Harapan is offering a more sustainable development agenda for Johor rather than disrupt the state’s harmony, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said Johor has immense potential, but its administration must be improved to ensure development is not concentrated in only certain districts.
Amirudin, who is also Selangor menteri besar, said development in Johor is uneven, with economic activity largely centred in Johor Bahru and widening its gap with other districts.
“Johor is more than just Johor Bahru. There are the northern, eastern and western parts of the state. The income gap, for example, between Johor Bahru and Segamat is quite significant. That is why we are here: to bring change and govern Johor well,” he said at Harapan’s rally for the Johor election in Senggarang here last night.
Also present was Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof.
Amirudin, who is also Keadilan election director, said Johor recorded RM101 billion in investments last year, but the number of new jobs remained relatively low compared with Selangor.
“Selangor attracted RM83 billion in investments last year, but we provided 60,000 new jobs. In Johor, the figure was lower, perhaps fewer than 30,000 or 40,000 jobs,” he said.
He said that if Harapan is given the mandate to govern Johor, it would ensure high-impact investments are aligned with federal government support with initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
“This is important to create high-paying jobs so our young people no longer have to commute to Singapore every day to earn a living,” he said.
He added that a Harapan-led state government would adopt an open leadership approach to ensure Johor emerges as the Jewel of the South and a source of pride for Malaysia.
Harapan is contesting all 56 seats in the Johor election. Early voting is on July 7 while polling day is July 11.
