JOHOR BAHRU, March 2 — Perikatan Nasional (PN) will focus on expediting the economic recovery of Johor if it wins the state election on March 12.
Its chairman, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Johor is among the states most affected by the spread of COVID-19 in Malaysia, especially by the closure of the Malaysia-Singapore borders.
“As such, in the next few years, efforts must be made more diligently and vigorously for the state of Johor to rise and bounce back stronger not only like in 2019, but more than that.
“We want Johor to rise and rise quickly. I think we (PN) has the experience to make it happen,” he told reporters after launching the coalition’s ‘Demi Bangsa Johor’ manifesto here today.
Also present were Gerakan president Datuk Dr Dominic Lou Hoe Chai and PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
On the reopening of Malaysia-Singapore borders, Muhyiddin said it was also recommended by the National Recovery Council (NRC), which he chairs.
“The NRC has repeatedly recommended the reopening of the borders but the federal government seemed to be a bit slow in the implementation.
“The longer we wait (to reopen the borders), the longer the people of Johor cannot run their business. Those in Singapore cannot return to Johor and the Singaporeans cannot spend billions of their money here and generate income for the people in Johor.
“So, the (economic) situation is a bit slow and has yet to improve,” said Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president.
He said most of the pledges made by PN in its manifesto could be achieved in just one term, but few others would take longer to achieve.
PN manisfesto themed “Demi Bangsa Johor” was based on eight key thrusts, 24 strategies and 145 approaches.
The eight key thrusts are integrity and corruption-free leadership; economic stability; priority in addressing the rising cost of living; concern for the people; social wellbeing; infrastructure efficiency; boosting the tourism sector; and environmental sustainability.
