Category :

Politics

MUAR, June 30 -- The development of mega infrastructure projects in Johor to match regional growth, including that of neighbouring Singapore, requires close coordination between the state and Federal Governments to ensure the smooth implementation and allocation of billions of ringgit in investments. Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said alignment between both levels of administration is crucial, as major components of Johor’s transportation, logistics and border infrastructure fall under the direct jurisdiction of the federal government. He said strong cooperation between Putrajaya and Johor would serve as a key catalyst for delivering large-scale development projects that ultimately benefit the people of the state. “The railway system, roads, border facilities and immigration all fall under federal government jurisdiction. That is why Johor’s administration needs to move in tandem with the federal government so that development can be implemented more smoothly and harmoniously,” he told Bernama here last night. Earlier, Mohamad accompanied Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Simpang Jeram state seat, Nazri Abd Rahman, to a voter engagement session at the Gemilang Bakri Commercial Centre. Commenting on the four-cornered contest in Simpang Jeram, Mohamad expressed confidence in the political maturity of local voters, saying they tend to support coalitions viewed as capable of forming a stable government. “I am confident that regardless of the number of candidates contesting, voters will prioritise parties that are seen as capable of securing a governing majority,” he said, while expressing optimism that PH could maintain its momentum in the mixed constituency. He added that achieving victory in constituencies with diverse demographics depends on candidates’ ability to gain broad-based support across communities while preserving the agenda of unity and inclusivity. Welcoming the positive response from rural communities, Mohamad also called on PH machinery across Johor to intensify campaign efforts ahead of polling day. He described the encouraging reception towards grassroots engagement programmes and public outreach activities as a positive indication of continued support for political stability in the state. The Johor state election features 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats, with polling scheduled for July 11 and early voting set for July 7. To get the latest news on the 16th Johor General Election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/.  -- BERNAMA 

Johor’s Mega Infrastructure Agenda Requires State-federal Alignment – Mohamad

MUAR, June 30 — The development of mega infrastructure projects in Johor to match regional growth, including that of neighbouring Singapore, requires close coordination between the state and Federal Governments .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, June 30 -- Being a true native of Skudai gives Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate J. Kartiyaini a distinct edge in the state constituency race, as she knows the local heartbeat, especially when it comes to the needs of senior citizens. The 37-year-old lawyer says growing up in Taman Sri Skudai has deeply shaped her vision: to ensure that infrastructure development in the area builds a community that is genuinely more elderly-friendly and family-oriented. "I still live in Skudai, and my parents are still here too. That's why I often ask myself, when we build new facilities, are we really thinking about their needs? "When we upgrade housing areas, are we putting them first? I want to see Skudai become a place that truly welcomes and supports its elderly residents," she told Bernama. As the eldest of two siblings, she pointed out that nearly 30 per cent of Skudai's population, about 31,722 people, are now aged 55 and above. That statistic, she says, makes it all the more urgent to provide more public amenities and programmes tailored specifically to their needs. A law graduate from Universiti Malaya, Kartiyaini says her top priority is to take a holistic look at public facilities, starting with upgrading bus stops to make them more comfortable and accessible for everyone. Beyond infrastructure, she also aims to roll out more weekly activities to keep senior citizens active and living purposefully long after retirement. Affectionately known as "Karti" among locals, she wants to expand community programmes like carnivals and leisure spaces near residential areas, not just for fun, but to bring families closer together. "It's not only about strengthening community ties. It also helps parents provide meaningful activities for their children during free time and school holidays, without having to rely purely on shopping malls as the go-to recreational spot," she explained. Although the Skudai state seat is traditionally a Pakatan Harapan stronghold, Kartiyaini acknowledges that today's political landscape demands that elected representatives consistently deliver strong performance to maintain voter trust. Drawing from her experience serving at the Perling State Assembly office and as political secretary to the Buntong assemblyman in Perak from 2022 to 2024, Kartiyaini is confident in her ability to deliver more effective service to the people of Skudai. She intends to continue the grassroots, walk-about approach and provide cross-community services that have long been the bedrock of PH's strength, while also introducing a more structured complaint management system to ensure every issue is tracked and followed through to resolution. The Skudai seat, which has 106,805 registered voters, sees Kartiyaini facing a four-cornered fight against Tan Hiang Kee from Barisan Nasional (BN), Eugene Chua Meng Chong from Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), and Amir Syafiq Ameer Soekre from the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM). The Johor state election features 172 candidates vying for 56 state assembly seats, with polling day set for July 11 and early voting on July 7. -- BERNAMA

Elderly, Family And Community Take Centre Stage In Kartiyaini’s Skudai Campaign

JOHOR BAHRU, June 30 — Being a true native of Skudai gives Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate J. Kartiyaini a distinct edge in the state constituency race, as she knows the .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, June 30 -- Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Puteri Wangsa seat, Dr Maszlee Malik, plans to introduce a dedicated mobile application to allow residents to report local issues and submit complaints more efficiently if elected in the 16th Johor state election. Maszlee said a practical, technology-driven approach is needed given the constituency's large geographical area and diverse population, which ranges from affluent neighbourhoods such as Austin Heights to Felda Ulu Tebrau. “With such a diverse constituency, we need to be practical and sophisticated. A mobile app could be one of the solutions,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview recently. The former education minister said the app would also help identify vulnerable groups, including single mothers and persons with disabilities (PWDs), who may be eligible for government assistance but have been overlooked because of bureaucratic hurdles or limited access to information. He said he hopes to draw inspiration from the community engagement model adopted by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who uses digital platforms alongside social media to gather feedback directly from residents. “There is much I can learn from Zohran Mamdani. He engages directly with the community and uses dedicated apps, in addition to social media, to enable residents to raise their concerns,” he said. Beyond the mobile app, Maszlee said he intends to maintain regular engagement with non-governmental organisations, residents’ associations and government agencies, while also holding town hall meetings to address local issues. On the campaign trail, he said his team is adopting a targeted social media strategy to reach voters who are less accessible through conventional campaigning, particularly young voters and Malaysians working in Singapore. “These groups may not have the time to meet us during walkabouts, so social media provides the most effective way to engage them,” he said. However, Maszlee acknowledged that digital campaigning presents challenges, including algorithms and echo chambers that can limit the reach of campaign messages. To overcome this, his campaign is tailoring content to different localities and voter groups, taking into account socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicity and demographics. The strategy targets groups such as Gen Z, Malaysians working in Singapore, particularly those from the Chinese community, residents outside urban centres and working professionals. “Different communities and demographic groups have different concerns and priorities. Our messaging therefore, has to be tailored to reflect those differences,” he said. The Puteri Wangsa state seat will see a five-cornered contest involving Maszlee, Rashifa Aljunied of the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA), Teow Chia Ling (Barisan Nasional), Nicholas Paul Vincent (Parti Bersama Malaysia) and independent candidate Wang Wee Siong. Polling for the Johor state election will be held on July 11, with early voting scheduled for July 7. For the latest updates on the Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/.   N41: PUTERI WANGSA - 128,723 (voters) 1. Nicholas Paul Vincent    (Bersama) 2. Wang Wee Siong    (Bebas/IND) 3. Dr Maszlee Malik    (PH-PKR) 4. Rashifa Aljunied    (MUDA) 5. Teow Chia Ling    (BN-MCA) (2022: Amira Aisya Abd Aziz: MUDA: Maj: 7,114)   -- BERNAMA  

Maszlee Malik Plans Mobile App To Improve Constituent Services In Puteri Wangsa

JOHOR BAHRU, June 30 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Puteri Wangsa seat, Dr Maszlee Malik, plans to introduce a dedicated mobile application to allow residents to report local .... read more

JOHOR BAHRU, June 30 -- Infrastructure issues such as chronic traffic congestion and school dropouts among teenagers are among the critical challenges forming the main focus of Dr. Maszlee Malik’s campaign for the Puteri Wangsa State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seat. The Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate stated that besides traffic congestion and flash floods in areas like Kangkar Tebrau and Kampung Maju Jaya, poor road quality also demands serious attention following his own recent site visits. "I experienced it firsthand driving a (Perodua) Myvi, it was really bumpy; it would be even more miserable on a motorcycle. Yet, that is what they face every single day," he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama recently. Maszlee said that resolving these infrastructure issues requires a holistic approach through close cooperation between the state government and Federal agencies like the Public Works Department (JKR), rather than ad-hoc or rushed actions. He noted that solutions to these infrastructure issues cannot be done in a hurry, but instead require holistic cooperation between the state government and ministries at the Federal level, such as the Public Works Department (JKR). Apart from physical aspects, Maszlee, who is also a former Education Minister, voiced his concern over the school dropout trend among youths in the area, who are more attracted to entering the gig economy or working as manual laborers in Singapore due to the high currency exchange rate. "This dropout issue occurs because there is a perception that even if they don't finish school, they can work in the gig economy, as riders and so on. That is number two; number one is that even if they don't study, they can go work in Singapore. "Even if they become 4D workers (dirty, dangerous, difficult, degrading), the payout is still three times higher," he said. He added that the pressure of the cost of living and high house prices for young people in the surrounding areas also poses a burden, as the purchasing power of the community working in Singapore has driven up local market prices. "These issues require holistic solutions. The solution cannot just stop at the state government or DUN level alone," he said. In relation to this, Maszlee emphasised the importance of synergy between the state and Federal governments to ensure that economic planning and development can be coordinated for the benefit of local residents. The contest for the Puteri Wangsa DUN seat will see a five-cornered fight involving Maszlee (PH), Rashifa Aljunied (MUDA), Teow Chia Ling (Barisan Nasional), Nicholas Paul Vincent (Parti Bersama Malaysia), and Wang Wee Siong (Independent). A total of 172 candidates are contesting in the Johor State Election, which will take place this July 11, while early voting is on July 7. To get the latest news on the 16th Johor State Election, please visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/. N41: PUTERI WANGSA - 128,723 1. Nicholas Paul Vincent (Bersama) 2. Wang Wee Siong (Bebas/IND) 3. Dr Maszlee Malik (PH-PKR) 4. Rashifa Aljunied (MUDA) 5. Teow Chia Ling (BN-MCA) (2022: Amira Aisya Abd Aziz: MUDA: Maj: 7,114) -- BERNAMA

Infrastructure And Education Issues To Be Main Focus Of Dr Maszlee’s Campaign In Puteri Wangsa

JOHOR BAHRU, June 30 — Infrastructure issues such as chronic traffic congestion and school dropouts among teenagers are among the critical challenges forming the main focus of Dr. Maszlee Malik’s .... read more

SEREMBAN, June 30 — Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called yesterday on the entire UMNO Negeri Sembilan machinery to intensify its grassroots efforts and continue engaging with the people sincerely in order to restore public confidence in the party and Barisan Nasional (BN). Speaking at a gathering of the UMNO Negeri Sembilan family, Ahmad Zahid said the party's strength lies in the unity and resilience of its grassroots members, expressing confidence that UMNO's struggle would continue to thrive as long as its members remain united. He said the time for preparation has passed and that the party machinery must begin working harder immediately to ensure the people of Negeri Sembilan receive the best possible service and leadership, while positioning BN as their preferred choice. Ahmad Zahid also urged party members to continue reaching out to the people, build confidence through consistent service, and strengthen unity among UMNO and BN members. He expressed confidence that through unity, sincerity, and sustained commitment, UMNO and BN would be able to regain the people's trust for a brighter future for Negeri Sembilan. -- MINUTESMY

Datuk Seri Dr. Zahid Urges UMNO Negeri Sembilan To Strengthen Grassroots Efforts, Restore Public Confidence

SEREMBAN, June 30 — Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called yesterday on the entire UMNO Negeri Sembilan machinery to intensify its grassroots efforts and continue engaging with the .... read more

KOTA TINGGI, June 29 -- Being the underdog in a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold has not dampened the spirit of Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Pasir Raja state constituency, Mohd Fakharuddin Moslim. The Johor PKR information chief said his candidacy in Pasir Raja offers a golden opportunity to present new ideas to advance the local community. Mohd Fakharuddin, involved in politics and community work since 2010, said he aims to bring further development to residents if given the mandate in the 16th Johor State Election. He said his manifesto focuses on three main areas: youth empowerment, infrastructure, and community welfare. "The first step I will take is to create a sustainable local economic ecosystem for youth to curb migration to cities like Kulai, Johor Bahru, or Singapore," he told Bernama here recently. He said these efforts include strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and supporting young entrepreneurs in the constituency. Mohd Fakharuddin added that infrastructure is also a priority, especially road quality, public amenities, and internet access, which need improvement in some areas. He pledged to ensure that welfare aid for groups such as the elderly, single mothers, and B40 families is distributed more efficiently and widely. He also intends to practise a no-protocol leadership style to strengthen ties between the elected representative and the public. "I want the community to contact me directly, chat casually like friends, and see me as part of their family because my office doors will always be open to the people," he said. Asked about contesting in a BN stronghold, Mohd Fakharuddin said he did not feel pressured during the campaign and believed PH had the advantage due to instability and internal issues within the opposing parties. "We also need to look at the composition of young voters, who make up 54 per cent of the total registered voters in this constituency. Therefore, I am applying a two-pronged campaign strategy by balancing digital and physical methods," he said. Mohd Fakharuddin will face a three-cornered fight in the Pasir Raja state seat, which has 29,818 registered voters, going up against Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba and Yuhanita Yunan of Perikatan Nasional (PN). The Johor state election will take place on July 11, while early voting is set for July 7. -- BERNAMA

Johor Polls: Underdog Status Does Not Dampen Spirit Of PH Candidate In Pasir Raja

KOTA TINGGI, June 29 — Being the underdog in a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold has not dampened the spirit of Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Pasir Raja state constituency, .... read more

BATU PAHAT, June 29 -- Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called yesterday on party machinery to remain united and continue working sincerely to serve the people as efforts to strengthen the coalition's support in Johor continue. Speaking at a gathering with BN supporters and party machinery at Dataran Tanjung Simpang in Tongkang Pechah, Sri Gading, Ahmad Zahid expressed appreciation for the strong turnout, describing it as a reflection of the coalition's enduring spirit of unity. "I am grateful to all the party machinery who attended. The spirit shown today proves that the strength of Barisan Nasional has always been built on togetherness and solidarity," he said. The Deputy Prime Minister urged party members and volunteers to continue engaging with the grassroots and to remain committed to championing the interests of the people. He said the struggle ahead remains challenging, but emphasised that consistent service and close engagement with the community would strengthen public confidence in BN. "Come together, strengthen our resolve and continue to win the hearts of the people with sincerity. Keep working, keep serving and continue carrying the voice of the people of Johor," he said. Ahmad Zahid also expressed confidence that, with unity and commitment, BN would be able to defend the trust placed in the coalition and secure victory for its candidates in the interest of ensuring Johor's continued progress and development. He said the coalition remains focused on safeguarding the state's stability and delivering sustainable development that benefits the people. -- MINUTESMY

Datuk Seri Dr.Zahid Urges BN Machinery to Stay United, Continue Serving the People in Johor

BATU PAHAT, June 29 — Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called yesterday on party machinery to remain united and continue working sincerely to serve .... read more

KLUANG, June 27 -- Pakatan Harapan deputy election director Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has expressed confidence that the coalition can secure victory in the Layang-Layang state seat, citing the strong support demonstrated by party machinery and supporters during the nomination process. Ramanan said more than 2,000 Pakatan Harapan members, volunteers and supporters gathered to accompany the coalition's candidate, Guna Balakrishnan, to the nomination centre for the Layang-Layang state by-election. He said the nomination process proceeded smoothly, while the enthusiasm displayed by the party machinery remained high throughout the event. "The unwavering commitment shown by our supporters and volunteers reflects the people's desire for positive change. Their presence and spirit prove that this struggle is driven by ordinary Malaysians who want a better future," he said in a statement on Saturday. Ramanan expressed his appreciation to all party workers, volunteers and supporters who had gathered since early morning to lend their support to the coalition's candidate. He said the focus of Pakatan Harapan's campaign would now be on reaching every voter and ensuring that public support is translated into victory on polling day. "I am confident that the people of Layang-Layang want progress, stability and a brighter future together with the MADANI Government," he said. Ramanan also called on party members and campaign workers to intensify their efforts throughout the campaign period by engaging with voters across the constituency. The event was also attended by Teja assemblyman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching, Tualang Sekah assemblyman Mohd Azlan Helmi and Hutan Melintang assemblywoman Wasanthee Sinnasamy. -- MINUTESMY

Datuk Ramanan Confident Pakatan Harapan Can Secure Victory in Layang-Layang

KLUANG, June 27 — Pakatan Harapan deputy election director Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has expressed confidence that the coalition can secure victory in the Layang-Layang state seat, citing the strong .... read more

Empowering the Indian Community Remains a National Priority - PM Anwar

Anwar Urges Pakatan Harapan Johor Candidates to Campaign with Sincerity and Civility

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidates contesting in Johor to conduct their election campaigns with sincerity, courtesy .... read more

BATU PAHAT. JUNE 27 -- Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching arrived at the nomination centre at Dewan Raya Putra, Bandar Putra here at 8.26 am. He, who is also the Deputy Minister of Communications, accompanied Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Bukit Permai State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Mohamad Shafwan Ani. Party supporters began flooding the nomination centres as early as 7am to support their respective candidates, filling the atmosphere with cheers, chants of slogans and waving party flags. -- BERNAMA

Johor state election: Teo shows support for PH Bukit Permai DUN candidate

BATU PAHAT. JUNE 27 — Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching arrived at the nomination centre at Dewan Raya Putra, Bandar Putra here at 8.26 am. He, who is also .... read more

Latest News

DAP To Review N. Sembilan Defeat, Vows To Regain Voters’ Trust – Gobind

NS Government To Continue Upholding Royal Institution, Says MB

Melaka State Secretary Leads Recipients Of PPM’s Highest Scouting Award

Glasgow 2026: Md Nashriq More Than A Coach, Says Amir Daniel

N9 Polls: Amanah Disappointed Performance-Based Campaign Failed To Win Win Vote Support