Anwar Wants PH Victory in Johor, Says Alignment With Federal Government Will Speed Up Development
MUAR: Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated his determination to see the coalition win the upcoming Johor state election, saying a state government aligned with the federal administration would make it easier to accelerate development and deliver benefits to the people.
Anwar, who is also the Prime Minister, said close cooperation between Putrajaya and Johor is essential to ensure development plans are implemented smoothly and efficiently.
According to him, Johor is one of Malaysia’s most important economic states and requires strong coordination with the federal government to maximise its growth potential.
“Many people ask me why the Johor state election is important.
“The answer is simple — I want Johor to be aligned with the federal government so that discussions, cooperation and development initiatives can be carried out more effectively,” he said while speaking at a Pakatan Harapan public rally in Pekan Bukit Bakri here last night.
Anwar said the federal government remains committed to serving all Malaysians regardless of their state or political affiliation.
However, he noted that having a state administration that shares the same direction as the federal government would make it easier to implement policies and address issues faced by the people.
“Johor is an integral part of Malaysia.
“Whatever we do at the federal level is also for the people of Johor, and that is why I want PH to win here,” he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that improving the wellbeing of Malaysians remains the government’s top priority, particularly in addressing cost-of-living challenges.
He said initiatives such as the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) programme were introduced immediately after the government took office and were not politically motivated.
“We help the people not because an election is around the corner.
“If families are struggling to buy milk for their children, they cannot wait until election season for assistance,” he said.
Anwar added that government aid is now channelled directly into recipients’ bank accounts to make the process easier and eliminate the need for long queues.
He said the approach reflects the government’s commitment to creating a more efficient and people-friendly public service delivery system.
At the same time, Anwar urged Malaysians not to be swayed by politicians who exploit racial sentiments or promote hatred to gain political support.
He said politics should focus on nation-building and improving the lives of ordinary people instead of creating divisions among different communities.
“Do not follow politicians who spread hatred between Malays, Chinese and Indians.
“If we work together and remain united, everyone will benefit.
“A country cannot progress if we spend every day quarrelling,” he said.
Anwar also called on Johoreans living outside the state, including those working in Singapore, to return home and cast their votes in the upcoming state election.
He stressed that every vote matters in shaping Johor’s future and ensuring development plans continue without interruption.
The Prime Minister added that he will travel to Russia and Turkmenistan on an official visit beginning tomorrow before returning to Johor to assist PH’s campaign machinery ahead of the state polls.
