JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 — The federal government, together with the Penang and Selangor state governments, has demonstrated the strength of Pakatan Harapan's leadership by delivering robust economic growth, said Harapan Presidential Council member Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Selangor Menteri Besar, said the MADANI government led by Harapan and its coalition partners had strengthened the ringgit to its highest level in 16 years while building Malaysia's resilience against global economic challenges.
The administration under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also attracted significant investment and recorded consistent growth in the nation's gross domestic product.
"At the state level, Penang and Selangor collectively contribute nearly 40 per cent of the national economy.
"Selangor's economy was valued at RM432 billion in the Department of Statistics' assessment last year, and the latest report released two days ago showed it had grown by RM28 billion to RM460 billion, which is twice the size of Johor's economy," he said during the launch of Harapan's "Johor for All" manifesto for the 16th state election today.
Also present were Johor Harapan chairman Aminolhuda Hassan, Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching, Johor Parti Keadilan Rakyat chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and the coalition's candidates for the Johor polls.
Amirudin added that if Harapan is given the mandate, its Menteri Besar would unveil a state development plan within three to six months of forming the state government.
"Building on Harapan's success at the federal level and in Penang and Selangor, we will bring sustainable development to Johor, with a focus on ensuring development across the state benefits the people.
"With its vast potential, we do not want Johor to merely serve as a feeder to our neighbouring country. We want to transform Johor into 'The Shenzhen of Southeast Asia' while ensuring fair and inclusive development for all," he said.
The Johor polls will see 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats, with polling on July 11 and early voting on July 7. Harapan is fielding candidates in all 56 seats.
For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/.
