‘Win or Lose Johor Election, I Remain Prime Minister’

Pakatan Harapan (PH) Chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim asserted that his status as Malaysia's Prime Minister remains unchanged, irrespective of whether PH wins or loses the Johor state election. He conveyed this message to prevent opponents from campaigning aggressively, stating, "Whether I win the Johor PRN, I am Prime Minister; whether I lose the Johor PRN, I am still Prime Minister."

Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, addressed a gathering at Taman Tropika, Kulai, emphasizing that his presence in Johor was not to incite conflict. He assured attendees that federal projects like highways and the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link would proceed. However, he clarified that initiatives such as affordable housing and support for local businesses fall under the state government's purview.

He urged the youth of Johor not to be swayed by divisive elements attempting to pit different ethnic groups against each other. "Young people, do not accept those who want to pit ethnic groups against each other. This is Malaysia; the future of this country requires unity and working together. All ethnic groups must share. Johor is a developed state," he remarked, adding a cautionary note: "The people below fight, the leaders above take it all."

Anwar also criticized the state government's method of distributing aid, contrasting it with the federal government's efficient distribution of aid like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA). He pointed out that recipients of federal aid did not have to queue for hours, unlike those receiving RM200 for senior citizens from the state. "If they don't know how to do it, change the government. Some say if the government changes, Malays will be finished. I have been Prime Minister for over three years, have the Malays been finished?" he questioned, defending his leadership and advocating for change if the state government proves ineffective.