JOHOR BARU: Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi is confident the state's potential can be realised, saying the "stars are aligned in Johor's favour".
"With His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar's appointment as Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the time has come to resolve issues that have plagued Johor for years," he told the New Sunday Times in an exclusive interview.
These issues include congestion at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complexes at the border with Singapore, overcrowding in the state's main hospital, and flooding.
Onn Hafiz, who celebrated his second anniversary in office on March 15, said many of Johor's longstanding issues required federal and state agencies to work together.
In the past, federal and state cooperation had been hindered by bureaucracy and silo mentality, he said, adding that he was intent on changing the situation.
"I think Johor received the least attention from the federal government in the past, but priority will be given to us now, at least for the next five years."
He said Johor had received federal allocations for upgrading projects and flood-mitigation work.
Among his priorities was to transform Johor into a high-income and highly developed state by 2030, a plan known as Johor Maju.
The concept is built on six strategic areas: governance and administration; economic development; social safety; facilities and basic needs; safety, hygiene and cleanliness; and youth.
"The goal is growth in terms of the economy so that we can ensure that our people have good jobs. Johoreans want to feed their families and have a good life here."
He said he wanted Johor to match neighbouring Singapore's development trajectory, and this would be supported by seamless travel between the state and island republic, especially with the completion of the Rapid Transit System in 2026.
Beyond infrastructure, there was also the need for a skilled workforce, he added.
"The contrast, the differences (between Johor and Singapore) cannot be too great. It needs to be seamless."
This is not limited to the private sector. Johor's leaders are expected to lead by example.
"We are proud of our national language Bahasa Malaysia, but English is key for communication. The executive councillors attend a weekly English language communication workshop, which started last year.
"This is an initiative undertaken by the state government to improve our efficiency and competitiveness."
He said Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim had spoken to him about focusing on economic growth, healthcare, and education to improve the quality of life for Johoreans, especially the youth.
"The development of youth is something close to my heart and also that of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail.
"They will shape the future of the state."
He said he frequently engaged youth leaders on where the state was headed.
"We encourage debate, questions and meetings of the minds so that they are aware that they are part of this journey."
SEZ A CATALYST FOR GROWTH
Onn Hafiz said the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) would be the catalyst for fast-tracking the state's growth.
"SEZ will attract more companies to Johor, not only from Singapore but also from around the world," he said about the proposed Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
Even without the SEZ, Johor secured RM70.6 billion in foreign investments in 2023, with Singapore being the second-largest foreign investor.
Some 70 per cent of Johor's total foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector came from Singapore.
"We are identifying ideal locations, and the types of sectors and incentives for investors (in the SEZ)."
Key to supporting the SEZ was talent and that was where the federal government and educational institutions would come into play, he said.
"We are also working with the Singapore government to ensure that there is synergy in terms of training of human resources on our side, for our mutual benefit."
He said the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre in Johor, the first in the country outside of the Klang Valley, would prove vital.
The one-stop centre for investment-related matters is part of the federal government's efforts to ease regulatory and administrative frameworks, making it easier to conduct business in Johor.
ROYAL BACKING
Onn Hafiz said he was grateful for the support he had received from the Johor palace.
"The king and the regent have been invaluable in solving issues involving the federal government."
"Whenever I faced obstacles, I would bring up the matter to His Majesty and the regent. They are very supportive when it comes to the people of Johor.
"Every time I need help, they will call and speak to the relevant ministers.
He said the Johor royal family had the best interests of the people at heart and were constantly pushing for change.
"Everything is done for the rakyat. I am just the conduit, the bridge between the people and the palace."
He said he was a man on a mission and he was eager to resolve Johor's issues within the two remaining years of his term, and he did not intend to let anything stand in his way.
"I am nice when dealing with people. I never set out to burn bridges to fulfil my responsibilities. But I will do whatever it takes to get the job done for Johor.
"I am committed to settling these issues while in office, and I intend to keep that commitment to the people of Johor."
He said the state was at a pivotal moment in its history and with the support of the Johor royal family, the state could achieve its aspirations.
"The time is now. We should transform Johor's potential into a reality.
"Under His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and Johor Regent His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail, I believe we can realise Johor's potential."