Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has challenged a Johor executive councillor to direct questions about alleged unfair revenue distribution to previous federal administrations led by Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional.
Speaking at Pakatan Harapan’s Johor election candidate announcement ceremony in Bukit Gambir, Anwar said the claims being raised were linked to matters that occurred before his administration took office.
Without naming the executive councillor involved, he questioned why criticism was being directed at the current federal government over issues that had developed under earlier administrations.
Anwar defends federal government’s record
Anwar said the criticism surfaced after he spoke about matters involving national development, including oil resources, Bintulu Port and programmes for the people.
He questioned allegations that the federal government had taken revenue from Johor without returning a fair share to the state.
The prime minister also rejected suggestions that Johor was being sidelined, noting that his administration worked closely with leaders from various parties within the unity government.
He said ordinary Malaysians were capable of assessing issues fairly and should not be underestimated.
Calls for fact-based criticism
Anwar urged all parties to verify facts before making public accusations.
He stressed that the Madani government was open to criticism and acknowledged that shortcomings still existed within the administration.
According to him, ministers regularly expressed differing views during Cabinet meetings and feedback was considered regardless of political affiliation.
He said constructive criticism should be based on facts rather than assumptions.
Dispute over Johor’s revenue share
The remarks followed recent criticism by Johor Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah.
Hairi had called on the federal government to stop making accusations against the state after Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said a more reasonable share of revenue collected from Johor should be returned to the state.
The Regent said such a move would help support Johor’s development and improve the welfare of its people.
Hairi subsequently claimed that revenue generated in Johor was not being returned to the state in a fair manner.
Responding to the issue, Anwar maintained that criticisms should be grounded in accurate facts and a proper understanding of the circumstances involved.
