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Malaysian PM Anwar urges Johoreans abroad to return home to vote in state election

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged Johoreans living abroad, particularly in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, to return and vote in the July 11 state election.
  • He emphasized that their votes are crucial for safeguarding their future and the future of Johor, regardless of the election outcome for his premiership.
  • Anwar also delineated federal responsibilities, such as mega-projects like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, from state-level duties, which include managing local businesses and low-cost housing.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has issued a strong appeal to citizens of Johor working outside their home state, especially those residing in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, to return and cast their votes in the upcoming July 11 state election. He stressed the significance of their participation, urging them not to be deterred from exercising their democratic right.

"I urge our young people, the workers in Singapore, and those in Kuala Lumpur, to come back and vote on July 11. Do not be scared," Anwar stated during an event in Kulai, Johor, on July 4. He underscored that their votes are instrumental in determining the future of Johor, emphasizing, "You need to safeguard your future and the future of Johor."

I urge our young people, the workers in Singapore, and those in Kuala Lumpur, to come back and vote on July 11. Do not be scared. You need to safeguard your future and the future of Johor

— Anwar IbrahimMalaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urges Johoreans abroad to return home to vote in the state election.

Anwar also sought to clarify the division of responsibilities between the federal government and the state administration. He assured the public that the federal government, under his leadership, would handle major national and international projects, citing the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Rapid Transit System Link as examples for which federal funds are secured. "Leave the mega-projects such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Rapid Transit System Link to us. We have funds for that," he said.

Win or lose, I am still the Prime Minister. I am not saying this out of arrogance, but as a reminder

— Anwar IbrahimPrime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reassures voters about his position regardless of the Johor state election outcome.

Conversely, he defined the state government's role as focusing on local community welfare and infrastructure. "You should take care of the roadside stalls, the traders, and the maintenance of the people’s low-cost housing. That is the state government’s responsibility," Anwar elaborated, drawing parallels with successful initiatives in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Perak where local leadership and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government demonstrated strong commitment.

Furthermore, Anwar highlighted the Federal Government's efficient distribution of welfare aid, such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, which are credited directly to recipients, contrasting it with what he implied were more cumbersome processes under the state government. He hinted at potential increases in federal welfare aid for those supporting the Madani government, reinforcing his administration's commitment to public welfare.

Leave the mega-projects such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Rapid Transit System Link to us. We have funds for that. You should take care of the roadside stalls, the traders, and the maintenance of the people’s low-cost housing. That is the state government’s responsibility

— Anwar IbrahimPrime Minister Anwar Ibrahim differentiates federal responsibilities from state-level duties concerning development projects and local welfare.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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