JOHOR BAHRU, July 30 — Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi made history by becoming the first Johorean to receive the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship (LKYEF), a prestigious international award now in its 82nd edition, thereby raising the state’s profile internationally.
He is also the ninth Malaysian to be honoured with this award, which recognises capable leaders in public policy and leadership in the region.
Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the achievement was not only a personal success for the Chief Minister, but also a source of pride for all the people of Johor.
He said the recognition proves Onn Hafiz’s authority, vision, and exceptional leadership in leading Johor towards a brighter future, in addition to reflecting regional confidence in the state’s policies and approaches.
“May Datuk (Onn Hafiz) continue to be blessed with strength, health, and wisdom in raising the Johor flag to greater heights. Congratulations again. Proud to be a child of Johor,” he said in a Facebook post today.
The LKYEF was established in 1991 as a Singapore government initiative to invite prominent figures from around the world to visit the republic. Recipients are selected based on their achievements and potential contributions to national development, as well as to strengthen bilateral relations with Singapore.
Onn Hafiz is scheduled to make a three-day official visit to Singapore starting today, at the invitation of Singapore Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan.
