Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia has called on residents of Johor, who are currently living and working in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, to return home to participate in the upcoming Johor state election scheduled for July 11. In his address at an event in Kulai, Johor, Anwar emphasized the crucial role that every vote plays in shaping the future of the state. He specifically encouraged young voters and those working abroad to make their voices heard in the election, highlighting that while the results won’t affect his position as the Prime Minister, they will significantly influence Johor’s state administration.
During his speech, Anwar elaborated on the division of duties between the federal and state governments. He assured that the federal government would continue to manage major infrastructure projects, such as the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link. Meanwhile, he indicated that the state authorities should prioritize addressing local issues, including the maintenance of public housing, support for small businesses, and enhancing community services.
Anwar pointed out the advancements made in public housing in other Malaysian states through collaborative efforts with the Housing and Local Government Ministry. He encouraged Johor to bolster its local governance in similar ways, aiming for improvements in public housing and other community services.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the differences between the welfare distribution systems of the federal government and the Johor state administration. He noted that the federal system provides financial assistance directly to beneficiaries, eliminating the need for them to queue in person. Anwar mentioned plans for the federal government to expand its welfare assistance programs in the future, although he did not disclose specific details about these plans.