JOHOR BARU: Forging closer ties with the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is among the five resolutions adopted by Johor Barisan Nasional during its convention here on Saturday (June 8).

State Barisan chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said that the formation of the unity government, supported by BN, has brought significant benefits to Johor.

“A close relationship between the state and federal governments is important to secure allocations and development support.

“The state government is committed to being fair to all parties, including Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional, and even Muda, for the well-being of the people, regardless of their political background,” he said during his speech at the state Barisan convention.

Also present at the event were Barisan secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Johor MIC chairman R. Vidyananthan, and other state Barisan leaders.

Onn Hafiz, who is also Johor Umno chairman, highlighted the support given to Johor by the country’s leadership, including approving significant projects such as the Sultanah Aminah Hospital 2, the widening of the North-South Expressway starting on June 20, flood mitigation projects, and the Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double Track Project (EDTP), which will be operational by April next year.

“The Rapid Transit System Link (RTS) will be operational by January 2027, and the state government is receiving support for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and Special Financial Zone (SFZ).

“I am confident that the JS-SEZ and SFZ will help develop Johor in the near future. The establishment of the Iskandar Malaysia Facilitation Center, which places state and federal agencies under a one-stop centre, would also help ease the process for investors,” he added.

Onn Hafiz also mentioned his recent discussion with Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, about addressing human resource talent issues in Johor.

He announced a forthcoming meeting with Putrajaya by the end of this month to coordinate the Johor Talent Development Council with participation from various ministries.

The other resolutions adopted at the convention include strengthening solidarity with component parties as well as Friends of Barisan, empowering efforts towards the 16th General Election, upholding the education agenda, and boosting Johor’s economy.