Johor bahru: Pakatan Harapan's (PH) participation in the Johor state election is aimed at offering a more sustainable development agenda, rather than disrupting the state's existing harmony, said PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. He emphasized the need for improved administration to ensure balanced development across the state, beyond the economic activities concentrated in Johor Bahru.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amirudin noted that Johor has immense potential, but the current development is uneven, with significant economic gaps between Johor Bahru and other districts like Segamat. Speaking at the Jelajah Ke Depan Undi Harapan programme in Pekan Senggarang, Amirudin expressed PH's commitment to bring equitable change and governance to Johor.

Amirudin, who is also the Selangor Menteri Besar and PKR election director, highlighted that Johor recorded RM101 billion in investments last year, yet job creation lagged behind that of Selangor. In contrast, Selangor attracted RM83 billion in investments and generated 60,000 new jobs, whereas Johor's job creation was significantly lower, possibly fewer than 30,000 or 40,000 jobs.

He further stated that if PH is given the mandate to govern Johor, the coalition will align high-impact investments with federal government support through initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). This alignment aims to create high-paying jobs and reduce the need for daily commutes to Singapore for employment.

Amirudin also mentioned that a PH-led government would adopt an open leadership approach to position Johor as the "Jewel of the South," enhancing pride for Malaysia and its citizens. PH is contesting all 56 seats in the Johor state election, with polling scheduled for July 11 and early voting on July 7.