Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim has urged Johor voters to give the coalition an opportunity to govern the state, saying several public issues remain unresolved under the Barisan Nasional administration.
Speaking at a meet-the-people session in the Senggarang state constituency, Anwar said Johor has seen extensive development, but many residents are still facing challenges, particularly in accessing affordable housing.
He said the Federal Government has continued to support Johor’s development, but the responsibility for providing affordable housing rests with the state government.
“I see government officers, police and military personnel in Johor without homes, even though billions of ringgit in development are being recorded.
“Affordable housing is the responsibility of the state government, but it has failed to deliver. Therefore, I must intervene and ask for a state government aligned with PH so we can develop public housing,” he said.
Also present at the event were PH candidates Felicia Poh for Penggaram, Onn Abu Bakar for Senggarang and Mohamad Yazid Bakri for Rengit.
Calls for change in Johor
Anwar appealed to voters to support change by giving PH the mandate to administer Johor.
He said good governance is needed to transform the state and improve the people’s well-being.
“You receive STR and Sara, but do you have to queue up?” he asked.
Says support from voters is essential
Anwar said meaningful reforms could not be achieved without public support.
“I cannot do it alone. I can work hard, help the people and stop corruption, but now even those who steal are elevated as leaders.
“Have I taken land? Taken projects? No. We want to protect Johor because this is not a poor state. It is wealthy, yet many of its people remain poor.”
He said the government had resolved highway issues and would continue addressing housing, food assistance and other public concerns.
Align state and federal administrations
Anwar said closer alignment between the state and Federal Governments would help accelerate development and improve public services.
He said roads, mosques and surau are among the matters under the state’s responsibility, while the Federal Government has already spent tens of billions of ringgit on its own responsibilities.
Anwar also urged voters to elect capable and courageous leaders who can safeguard the country and strengthen unity among Malaysians of all races.
