Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan Chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday urged Johor residents to select leaders of strong character and modest temperament when voting in the upcoming state election, stressing the importance of protecting the welfare of ordinary citizens and the disadvantaged.
At a PH rally in Muar, Anwar warned against political factions that weaponise divisive sentiments to win support but subsequently neglect their obligations to constituents. He emphasised that electoral choices have lasting consequences for state development and the wellbeing of future generations, affecting everything from schools to healthcare.
Anwar highlighted the necessity of alignment between state and federal governments to maximise the benefits of major development initiatives. He pointed to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and Port of Tanjung Pelepas expansion as examples of projects negotiated and executed by the Federal Government, arguing that state-level cooperation ensures grassroots communities fully benefit from economic growth and resource distribution.
The Prime Minister stressed that newly-elected leaders must remain humble and focused on addressing public concerns rather than becoming complacent after victory. He called on Johor voters residing elsewhere to return home for the July 11 election, underlining that every ballot carries weight in driving policy reform and broadening economic gains across all segments of society.
Anwar emphasised that PH's victory in Johor is essential to redirect state government policies in line with the Federal Government's development strategy, enabling state representatives and exco members to prioritise the needs of ordinary residents.
