Johor needs bold leadership that understands rakyat’s priorities, says Anwar

PETALING JAYA: Johor needs leadership that is bold in decision-making and understands the rakyat’s priorities, says Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim.

The prime minister said elected representatives must also be able to assess issues properly and truly understand the pulse of the local communities.

“God willing, PH will continue to carry the people’s voice, defend Johor’s interests, and elevate this state into one that is more advanced,” he said on Facebook.

The state election will be held on July 11, with early voting taking place on July 7.

A total of 2,727,926 voters are eligible to cast their ballots, comprising 2,703,175 ordinary voters, 12,041 military personnel and their spouses, and 12,710 police personnel and their spouses.

PH launched its manifesto for the Johor election yesterday, outlining its vision and various initiatives to turn the state into the “Shenzhen of Southeast Asia”.

This is in reference to Shenzhen’s development into a leading technology hub and China’s third most populous city, after decades of being overshadowed by Hong Kong.

Among PH’s key proposals is a programme to bring back 20,000 professionals currently working in Singapore to Johor by 2031, and public health insurance coverage of up to RM100,000 for 500,000 Johoreans, particularly those in the B40 and M40 income groups.