JOHOR BAHRU, JUNE 21 — Johor Regent Sultan Tunku Maktota Ismail (TMJ) has strongly disputed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent remarks regarding alleged economic and revenue leakages in Johor, asserting instead that the real issue lies in the distribution of revenue between the federal and state governments.
Speaking during a youth engagement session in Muar, TMJ claimed that Johor contributes approximately RM40 billion annually to the federal government but receives only around RM2 billion in return.
“The actual leakage is at the federal level,” he said, questioning where the remainder of the revenue goes when only RM2 billion to RM3 billion is returned for the benefit of Johor’s nearly five million residents.
TMJ argued that the imbalance in revenue sharing has affected the state’s development, resulting in infrastructure challenges such as deteriorating road conditions and delays in key projects, including the Pasir Gudang Hospital.
He stressed that Johor should receive at least 25 to 30 per cent of the taxes collected from the state to ensure adequate funding for public services and development initiatives.
The Regent also blamed the federal government for delays in several projects in Johor, saying the current allocation system has placed an unnecessary burden on the people of the state.
Despite his criticism, TMJ emphasized that Johor does not seek conflict with Putrajaya and expressed hope that the federal government would place greater emphasis on the welfare and development needs of Johoreans.
“We do not want to create hostility with the federal government, but the welfare of Johor’s people must be taken seriously,” he said.
TMJ’s remarks came in response to comments by Prime Minister Anwar, who recently highlighted the need to address revenue leakages nationwide and suggested that federal allocations to Johor exceeded certain tax collections.
The Regent’s public criticism of the federal administration, delivered in a notably firm tone ahead of the upcoming Johor state election, has sparked widespread discussion and political attention across the state.
— MINUTESMY
— PHOTO: FB TMJ
