KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has criticised Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi for raising the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) issue during the Johor state election campaign, describing the move as inappropriate and unwise.
Anwar said the JS-SEZ is a Federal Government initiative being implemented in collaboration with the Johor state government, stressing that negotiations and agreements on the project were conducted at the highest level between the Malaysian and Singaporean prime ministers.
“The signing of the agreement is between the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Prime Minister of Singapore. It is not a matter for the Menteri Besar.
“There is no need to turn it into a campaign issue. The project is progressing with substantial investment and support from the Federal Government.
“Instead of appreciating the assistance given, he chose to use it during the campaign to criticise the government. That is inappropriate and not a wise approach,” Anwar told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Masjid As-Sodiqin in Taman Kobena.
Earlier, Onn Hafiz had urged the Federal Government to expedite the announcement of the JS-SEZ master plan, saying it is crucial to provide certainty for investors and set the direction for Johor’s economic development.
He noted that the master plan was initially expected to be unveiled by the end of 2025 before being rescheduled to March 30, but had been postponed again.
— MINUTESMY
— SOURCE: BERITA HARIAN
