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JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 -- The Indian community is urged to play an important role in determining the country's political direction by providing strong support to Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the Johor State Election (PRN) to ensure the continuation of a stable government, the CIVIL reform agenda and the economic development that the people are currently enjoying. PKR Central Leadership Council member Dr Gunaraj George said that although the Indian community is a minority in Johor, their votes have strategic value and have the potential to be decisive in winning nearly 25 mixed State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats as well as marginal areas. "This election is not just about electing representatives. It is a choice of whether we want to continue with political stability, reform and development that is currently yielding results, or return to political uncertainty that could affect the economy, investment and the future of the country." "Every vote from the Indian community is very meaningful. Although the number is not as large as other communities, its influence can determine victory in many important seats. I am confident that the Indian community will make the right choice by giving PH a mandate to continue the MADANI agenda for a more prosperous, inclusive and progressive Malaysia's future," he said in a statement today. He said that while the world is still facing economic uncertainty, geopolitical conflicts and cost of living pressures, Malaysia needs a government that is stable, trustworthy and capable of fully focusing on economic growth, job creation and improving the well-being of the people. "Political stability is not just a slogan, but the foundation for investor confidence, economic growth, the opening of more job opportunities and increased income for the people. The people want a government that continues to work and solve problems, not a country that is once again plagued by political uncertainty," he said. Gunaraj, who is also the Sentosa State Assemblyman (ADUN), said that after more than three and a half years of administration, the MADANI Government has proven its commitment through various policies and initiatives that benefit all citizens regardless of race, including the Indian community. He said among the most significant achievements was the increase in allocation for the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA) from RM100 million to RM150 million, after almost a decade of the amount remaining unchanged under the previous administration, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also given assurances that the amount would continue to be increased according to current needs. "At the same time, MITRA's management is now more transparent, open and responsible with the implementation of programmes and the use of funds being monitored more systematically and held accountable to Parliament," he said. Apart from that, he said the MADANI Government also increased allocations for Tamil National Type Schools (SJKT), provided assistance for the maintenance of houses of worship including temples, expanded the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, assisted students from low-income families, implemented the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) and Rahmah Basic Contribution (SARA) as well as empowered micro, small and medium entrepreneurs. "At the same time, the government continues to strengthen the institutional reform agenda, improve governance, intensify efforts to combat corruption and implement more inclusive economic policies so that the benefits of development can be enjoyed by all levels of society," he said. Gunaraj said the people now have the opportunity to evaluate the MADANI Government based on its performance, record of achievements and the results of the work that has been carried out, rather than being influenced by political sentiment or rhetoric alone. In the Johor state election which will be held on July 11, PH is contesting in all 56 Johor state assembly seats. To get the latest news on the 16th Johor general election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor . -- BERNAMA

Johor PRN: Indian Community Votes Key to PH’s Victory, Determinant of Political Stability – Gunaraj

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 — The Indian community is urged to play an important role in determining the country’s political direction by providing strong support to Pakatan Harapan (PH) in .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 -- Pakatan Harapan (PH) will launch a manifesto to face the 16th Johor state election tomorrow, which offers a comprehensive and realistic development plan based on research into the real needs of the people. Johor PKR chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the manifesto focuses specifically on efforts to narrow the development gap between districts, improve the people's living standards and outline a clear direction to achieve the goal of improving the people's economy throughout the state. "God willing, the offers we have (in the manifesto) are offers that we have researched and we have the basis that these (offers) are the needs of the people," she said in an audio broadcast (podcast) of Secawan Teh Tarik shared via Dr Zaliha Mustafa's Facebook. She said that among the main agendas of the manifesto was to reduce the imbalance in economic development which is too "JB-centric" or more concentrated in the southern region of the state. Dr Zaliha, who is also the Member of Parliament for Sekijang, said that this situation had caused several districts with great potential to still lag behind in terms of development and commercial facilities. For example, she said Segamat district in northern Johor which includes the Labis, Sekijang and Segamat parliamentary constituencies and near the Ledang parliamentary constituency has economic potential, but still lacks modern commercial infrastructure facilities such as hypermarkets and high-class hotel chains to support the overflow of educational institutions such as Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and the Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT). According to her, the issue of development imbalance does not only occur in northern Johor but is also felt by residents in the eastern and central districts of the state such as Tanjung Piai, Pontian, Simpang Renggam and Mersing. Meanwhile, Dr Zaliha said PH administration's record proved that the manifesto promised before was not just rhetoric but that most of it had been successfully implemented. "I was in the Cabinet and we monitored one by one the manifestos promised by the component parties. Alhamdulillah, the results of the monitoring showed that almost all the promises in the PH manifesto were successfully fulfilled. "This proves that in three and a half years, many things can be realised and it is not impossible that what was outlined in the Johor Polls this time can also be implemented," she said. The Johor election will be held on July 11, while the early voting is on July 7. -- BERNAMA

Johor Polls: PH To Launch Manifesto Tomorrow, Offering Comprehensive, Realistic Development Plan – Dr Zaliha

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) will launch a manifesto to face the 16th Johor state election tomorrow, which offers a comprehensive and realistic development plan based on .... read more

KOTA TINGGI, July 2 -- Claims describing Barisan Nasional’s (BN) campaign for the upcoming Johor state election as ‘lacklustre’ are merely a matter of political perception and do not reflect the reality on the ground. BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition’s election machinery was actively campaigning, adding that rival coalitions were entitled to their own views. “BN believes the campaign is in full swing. Naturally, whatever assessment is made by other coalitions outside the BN component parties is their prerogative, whether to support us or otherwise,” he said. He said this at a press conference after officiating the Southeast Johor Development Authority’s  (KEJORA) Excellent Service Awards 2025 and Santunan Kasih programme, which was also attended by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. Ahmad Zahid also said BN appreciated the support it had received from various quarters and hoped it would translate into votes on July 11 to ensure victory for the coalition’s candidates. Commenting on claims that the close cooperation between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) at the federal level could confuse traditional voters in Johor, Ahmad Zahid said the issue did not arise. The Deputy Prime Minister said Johor was in a unique position as the state government had already been formed before the establishment of the Unity Government at the federal level. “There is no issue with cooperation between the state and federal governments, especially since those of us in the Unity Government at the federal level work closely and professionally together," he said. Ahmad Zahid said BN, which is contesting all 56 state seats, is aiming for a resounding victory to strengthen its mandate, buoyed by the strong performance of the administration led by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He said the Johor government, under Onn Hafiz’s leadership, recorded revenue of RM2.26 billion last year, the highest among states in Peninsular Malaysia. He said BN was confident that securing a stronger mandate would enable the state government to continue implementing the development agenda outlined in its manifesto over the next five years. Commenting on PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s call for voters to reject PH outright, including in straight fights involving BN, Ahmad Zahid said the coalition preferred to adopt a professional approach. “That is their approach. We conduct ourselves professionally. Our focus is on our candidates, and naturally, any additional support would be welcomed. “What we will see at the ballot boxes on July 11 will be the clearest indication of whether what they are saying is true or otherwise,” he said. The Johor state election will see BN and PH fielding 56 candidates each, Perikatan Nasional (33), Bersama (15), MUDA (four), Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (Asli) (one), Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) (one), and six Independent candidates. Polling for the Johor state election will be held on July 11, while early voting is scheduled for July 7. -- BERNAMA 

Johor Polls: ‘Lacklustre’ BN Campaign Claims Do Not Reflect Reality On The Ground – Zahid

KOTA TINGGI, July 2 — Claims describing Barisan Nasional’s (BN) campaign for the upcoming Johor state election as ‘lacklustre’ are merely a matter of political perception and do not reflect .... read more

Johor Polls: Tok Pandak To Continue Push To Redraw Johor-Singapore Maritime Boundary

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 — Although the fishing community makes up only 1.53 per cent, or about 2,000, of the 132,579 registered voters in the Kota Iskandar state constituency, it .... read more

KOTA TINGGI, July 2 -- The proposed expansion of the South East Johor Development Authority's (KEJORA) development area is intended to coordinate development rather than acquire land in the affected districts, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the clarification was necessary to dispel public misconceptions that the agency intended to take ownership of land within the proposed expansion area. He said KEJORA's strong development track record, with projects achieving a 98.3 per cent success rate, was the main driver behind the proposal. “The projects implemented have delivered strong results, supporting the Johor government's efforts to expand development across south-eastern Johor, including Pengerang, which is experiencing rapid growth through mega projects and the tourism sector,” he told a press conference after officiating the KEJORA 2025 Excellent Service Awards and Appreciation Ceremony here today. Also present was Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who is also the Member of Parliament for Pengerang. Ahmad Zahid said the proposal was also backed by a public feedback study conducted by KEJORA, with 96 per cent of respondents supporting the initiative. However, he stressed that its implementation remains subject to the consent of the King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, and the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail. Separately, Ahmad Zahid said the Rural and Regional Development Ministry has allocated about RM138 million to KEJORA for development projects in the region. “A total of 107 programmes have been implemented, while around 350 smaller projects will follow under the allocation,” he said. He also expressed support for Azalina's proposal to elevate Pengerang to district status and build a new hospital to meet the needs of its growing population. Earlier, Azalina said Pengerang should be upgraded into a new district in view of its rapid development. -- BERNAMA

KEJORA Expansion More About Coordinating Development, Not Land Acquisition – Datuk Seri Dr. Zahid

KOTA TINGGI, July 2 — The proposed expansion of the South East Johor Development Authority’s (KEJORA) development area is intended to coordinate development rather than acquire land in the affected .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 -- The Pakatan Harapan (PH) campaign in constituencies contested by its candidates in the Johor State Election continues to run smoothly despite several minor incidents described as sabotage attempts. PKR secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Salleh said the incidents included the removal and damage of posters, as well as the burning of party flags, but insisted that they have not affected the overall momentum of the ongoing PH campaign. “There were a few incidents such as posters being torn, billboards damaged and flags being burned, but overall our campaign (in the Johor polls) is still calm and the momentum has not been affected.” she said. Fuziah, who is also the Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, said this at a press conference held in conjunction with a review of the Budi MADANI Diesel subsidy assistance mechanism at a petrol station here today. Also present were Johor Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo. According to her, the intensity of PH’s campaign in the Johor polls continues to be intensified, with every candidate having a packed schedule from dawn until midnight, attending up to 10 programmes daily. She said feedback from voters towards PH candidates, especially youths and first-time voters, has been very positive and shows increasing support for the Federal ruling coalition. Asked about PH candidates for the Skudai and Perlis state seats, who had announced what they claimed was a manifesto earlier, she clarified that it was not an official party manifesto, but the commitment or determination of the candidates to their respective areas. She said issues such as local matters, including waste collection problems, should not be considered a manifesto as they do not represent comprehensive state policies. “When we talk about the manifesto, we are talking about the major policies that can and will be implemented when PH forms the state government. What the candidates mentioned are simply pledges to assist their respective constituencies. “That is not a manifesto, it’s more of an effort or commitment by the candidates to help their areas only, not the big policies of the state government,” she said. The PH manifesto for the Johor state election is expected to be announced tomorrow. A total of 172 candidates are contesting the Johor state election, with polling set for July 11, while early voting will take place on July 7. -- BERNAMA 

Alleged sabotage Incidents Won’t Affect PH campaign Momentum – Fuziah

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 — The Pakatan Harapan (PH) campaign in constituencies contested by its candidates in the Johor State Election continues to run smoothly despite several minor incidents described .... read more

BATU PAHAT, July 2  -- DAP is confident that its line-up of first-time candidates contesting under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) banner in the Johor state election can bring meaningful change to their respective constituencies. DAP deputy secretary-general Steven Sim Chee Keong said the Johor DAP leadership's decision to field candidates who had never contested an election reflected the party's commitment to giving younger leaders the opportunity to step forward and serve the people. Sim, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives said although they were new faces in electoral politics, the candidates were not newcomers to the political arena, as many had gained extensive experience working behind the scenes for the party. "We are giving them the opportunity to serve as candidates and, if entrusted by the people, they will go on to become elected representatives. While we are introducing young and new candidates, we are not sidelining our senior leaders. "We will continue to involve those who have previously served as elected representatives and party leaders in our campaign and grassroots efforts," he told Bernama after a breakfast session with DAP's Parit Raja state seat candidate here today. Also present were DAP assistant national publicity secretary Young Syefura Othman and the party's Parit Raja candidate Shazwan Dzainal Abidin. Young Syefura said the party was fully backing its new candidates to demonstrate that every individual within DAP possessed the capability to lead, while also providing them with the opportunity to showcase their potential at the grassroots level. She said Shazwan, who hails from Batu Pahat, has nearly a decade of political experience, including serving as special officer to the Penggaram state assemblyman. Young Syefura also praised Shazwan's positive spirit throughout the first six days of campaigning, despite Parit Raja being widely regarded as one of Barisan Nasional's strongholds. Meanwhile, Shazwan said he was encouraged by the warm reception from local residents, admitting that he had initially felt nervous about contesting in the constituency. "I am excited to be contesting in what has traditionally been an UMNO and BN stronghold. However, the response from the people has been very encouraging. Some even approached me for selfies, and that has given me added confidence," he said. In the Johor polls, DAP, contesting under the PH banner, is fielding 17 candidates in Jementah, Bekok, Tangkak, Bentayan, Yong Peng, Parit Raja, Penggaram, Mengkibol, Paloh, Tiram, Johor Jaya, Stulang, Perling, Skudai, Bukit Permai, Senai and Pekan Nanas. A total of 172 candidates are contesting in the Johor state election, with polling on July 11 and early voting on July 7 -- BERNAMA  

Johor Polls: DAP Confident New Faces Can Drive Change

BATU PAHAT, July 2 — DAP is confident that its line-up of first-time candidates contesting under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) banner in the Johor state election can bring meaningful change .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 -- Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)'s sole candidate in the 16th Johor state election, Amir Syafiq Ameer Soekre, has pledged to champion issues related to the rising cost of living, fair wages and the well-being of Skudai residents. The Skudai state seat candidate said his years of grassroots activism, which began in his teens, had given him first-hand insight into the daily challenges faced by people in the constituency. "Many Skudai residents work in Singapore. To us, this reflects a pressing issue because it shows that people are unable to cope with the cost of living on local incomes. "They have to wake up as early as 3 or 4 am to travel to Singapore for work. That is a clear indication that people need adequate incomes to support themselves and their families, and this is one of the key issues we are fighting for," he told Bernama. Amir Syafiq, 40, who works as a sales executive at a private company and also serves as PSM secretary, said he became involved with the party after participating in various activism initiatives during his teenage years before joining the party and actively assisting workers, settlers and other vulnerable groups. He said his candidacy in the Johor polls was a continuation of his long-standing grassroots work and an opportunity to expand his advocacy for the people through the electoral platform. A first-time candidate with a Master's degree in International Business Management from Teesside University, United Kingdom, Amir Syafiq said the cost of living, better income opportunities and quality public amenities were among the key priorities that needed greater attention in Skudai. He said his vision was reflected in the slogan "Skudai Saksama" (Equitable Skudai), which promotes social equality through harmony among the multiracial community and more equitable economic distribution so that every resident has the opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life.  Commenting on the four-cornered contest in Skudai, he said each candidate had their own strengths but expressed confidence that his grassroots approach and people-centric agenda would resonate with voters. In the Johor election, Amir Syafiq will face Barisan Nasional candidate Tan Hiang Kee, Pakatan Harapan candidate Kartiyaini Jeyapalan and Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) candidate Eugene Chua Meng Chong. The Johor state election has attracted 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats, with polling set for July 11 and early voting on July 7. -- BERNAMA

Johor Polls: PSM’s Sole Candidate Champions Cost Of Living Agenda In Skudai

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2 — Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)’s sole candidate in the 16th Johor state election, Amir Syafiq Ameer Soekre, has pledged to champion issues related to the rising .... read more

KULAI, July 2 -- Rising cost of living, better job opportunities and improved infrastructure are among the key concerns of residents in the Bukit Batu state constituency ahead of the 16th Johor state election. Most residents met by Bernama hope that the elected representative and the state government to be formed after the election will prioritise resolving these issues, which they say have a direct impact on their daily lives. Taman Sri Pulai 1 resident Kelvin Chong, 58, said the state government, particularly the Bukit Batu elected representative, should focus on creating more quality job opportunities with competitive salaries to help the people cope with the rising cost of living.  “People are hoping for more job opportunities with better salaries. The cost of living in Johor is getting higher, and prices of goods are also affected by its proximity to Singapore,” said the businessman in the logistics sector. Vegetable and fruit seller Tew Chong, 48, expressed hope that more initiatives would be introduced to reduce production costs in the agricultural sector, allowing crop prices to remain reasonable. He said that the recent rise in the cost of fertilisers, pesticides, labour and transportation had forced sellers like him to increase the prices of vegetables and fruits to cover operating costs. “If production costs are reduced, we don’t have to raise prices significantly. This will also allow consumers to enjoy more affordable vegetables and fruits,” he said. Another resident, Muhammad Yusof Abdullah, 64, said efforts to upgrade infrastructure in the Bukit Batu constituency should be given attention, particularly the maintenance of roads, drainage systems and public facilities used daily by residents. The retiree said the rapid development in the area must be supported by better facilities to ensure the comfort and safety of residents. “For example, along Jalan Sri Putri, there are many potholes and uneven road humps that can cause vehicles to break down. We are also worried that something untoward may happen. If infrastructure can be improved, it will definitely bring more comfort to the people,” he said. The Bukit Batu state seat is witnessing a five-cornered contest featuring incumbent Arthur Chiong Sen Sern of Pakatan Harapan (PH), R. Kumaran (Barisan Nasional - BN), M. Premanand (Parti Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia - MUDA), G. Tamili (Parti Bersama Malaysia - Bersama) and Independent candidate Datuk Kamaruzaman Ali. Johor is holding its state election, with polling set for July 11 and early voting on July 7. -- BERNAMA  

Johor Polls: Bukit Batu Residents Want Cost Of Living, Infrastructure Issues Addressed

KULAI, July 2 — Rising cost of living, better job opportunities and improved infrastructure are among the key concerns of residents in the Bukit Batu state constituency ahead of the .... read more

KLUANG, July 2 -- A "Work in the City, Live in the Countryside" ecosystem is at the heart of Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah's vision for Mahkota state constituency, aimed at enabling residents to secure better-paying jobs in Johor's urban and industrial centres while continuing to enjoy a more affordable and sustainable lifestyle. He said the initiative would allow residents to benefit directly from Johor's economic expansion through improved public transport connectivity, particularly the Electric Train Service (ETS), making daily commuting between Kluang and major employment hubs more convenient. "We want Kluang's young people to have access to quality jobs in industrial areas that offer premium salaries. "At the same time, they should be able to return home every day and build a sustainable life with their families here," he told Bernama recently. Syed Hussien said the vision aligns with the Johor Economic Transformation Plan (JETP), introduced by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, which seeks to spur balanced economic growth across all 10 districts in the state. On the campaign trail, Syed Hussien said the BN machinery had reached more than half of the areas within the Mahkota constituency and was on track to complete its outreach across the remaining localities within the next four to five days. He attributed the positive momentum to the coalition's consistent grassroots engagement rather than seasonal campaigning, supported by a combination of digital and face-to-face approaches that allow candidates and party workers to maintain close personal contact with voters. On his ability to converse fluently in Mandarin, Syed Hussien described it as an added advantage in engaging the Chinese community but sincerity, mutual respect and fair treatment of all communities were far more important than language proficiency alone. Touching on efforts to win over young voters, whom he believes could determine the outcome in Mahkota, Syed Hussien said BN would avoid populist politics and instead focus on fostering political maturity and responsible civic participation. "We want young people to understand that voting carries a great responsibility. We must cultivate a healthier and more progressive political culture instead of making unrealistic promises that ultimately leave them disappointed," he said. The Mahkota state seat will see a three-cornered contest involving Syed Hussien, Pakatan Harapan candidate Dr Ahmad Zuhan Md Zain and Bersama candidate Abd Hamid Ali. The Johor election has attracted 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats. Polling is scheduled for July 11, while early voting will take place on July 7. -- BERNAMA 

‘Work In The City, Live In The Countryside’ Key To Syed Hussien’s Vision For Mahkota

KLUANG, July 2 — A “Work in the City, Live in the Countryside” ecosystem is at the heart of Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah’s vision for Mahkota .... read more

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