SINGAPORE: Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has rejected concerns that the state could overshadow Singapore's economic growth, similar to how Shenzhen has outpaced Hong Kong.
Onn Hafiz said Johor's development would not come at the expense of its neighbour, emphasising the strong cooperation between both nations.
He was responding to questions on the potential impact of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ),
The menteri besar was an invited speaker at the National University of Singapore Society's 70th Anniversary Lecture, where he addressed the Johor-JS-SEZ initiatives, on Wednesday (Sep 19).
Earlier, he said the JS-SEZ could be as successful as China's Shenzhen.
He said Johor and Shenzhen had many similarities, and both were cities close to prosperous neighbours Singapore and Hong Kong respectively.
Johor's economic growth and Singapore should be viewed as a win-win scenario, with both nations benefiting.
He said Johor had no ambition to beat Singapore's economic achievements, and was focusing on collaborating with the republic to create opportunities which were mutually beneficial.
He said the JS-SEZ would be succesful due to the close relationship between both governments, which he said would make the zone even more effective than Shenzhen.
"This partnership is crucial, and it will be the key to unlocking extraordinary results for both Johor and Singapore," he said.
The JS-SEZ, which spans much of southern Johor, including Johor Baru, Pontian, Kulai, and Pengerang, is expected to attract significant investments, improve connectivity, and enhance economic collaboration between Malaysia and Singapore.
Onn Hafiz expressed optimism that the initiative would foster a new era of economic growth, benefiting both Johor and Singapore.
"We see this as an opportunity to grow together, not at each other's expense," he said.