Anwar Urges Politicians Not to Turn Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone into Election Issue
KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on political leaders to refrain from using the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) as a campaign issue during the Johor state election, stressing that the initiative remains an ongoing national development project jointly implemented by the Federal Government and the Johor administration.
Speaking to reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid As-Sodiqin in Taman Kobena, Cheras, Anwar said the special economic zone should be viewed as a long-term economic agenda rather than a subject for political debate during the election campaign.
He said recent questions surrounding the project’s progress had already been addressed by the Economy Minister, who explained the government’s position on the initiative and its role in supporting Malaysia’s future economic growth.
According to Anwar, the JS-SEZ continues to move forward through cooperation between Putrajaya and the Johor state government, with implementation work proceeding despite political discussions surrounding the project.
He stressed that certain aspects of the initiative, including formal announcements involving Malaysia and Singapore, must follow appropriate bilateral processes.
Anwar explained that official announcements relating to agreements between the two countries are matters to be handled jointly by the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore, given the significance of the cross-border initiative.
He said such decisions cannot simply be separated from the broader diplomatic process or announced independently outside the agreed framework.
The Prime Minister therefore urged politicians not to portray the matter inaccurately during the election campaign.
He added that substantial work and investment have already been committed to the development of the JS-SEZ, making it inappropriate to dismiss or politicise the initiative for short-term electoral purposes.
Anwar also criticised attempts to use the project as a campaign issue without recognising the progress already achieved.
He said political leaders should focus on presenting constructive proposals instead of criticising projects that remain actively under implementation.
His remarks came a day after the Johor state government urged the Federal Government to release the JS-SEZ master plan without waiting for the Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat scheduled for later this year.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi had argued that publication of the master plan should not be delayed because it does not require approval from Singapore and would help sustain investor confidence while maintaining Johor’s economic momentum.
The state government said earlier disclosure of the development blueprint would provide greater clarity for investors and businesses planning to participate in projects linked to the special economic zone.
The JS-SEZ has been positioned as one of Malaysia’s key economic initiatives, intended to strengthen cross-border economic cooperation with Singapore while attracting higher levels of investment, creating skilled employment opportunities and enhancing Johor’s role as a regional economic hub.
The project is also expected to complement other strategic infrastructure developments, including the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link connecting Johor Bahru and Singapore.
As campaigning for the Johor state election continues, economic development has emerged as one of the central issues raised by competing political parties.
Anwar reiterated that the JS-SEZ should remain a national economic initiative focused on long-term growth rather than becoming a point of political contention during the election period.
