Johor polls: Pontian MCA chief says Johor like a caged tiger, election can set it free to realise its potential

Pontian MCA division chief Datuk Tee Siew Kiong handing out mandarin oranges and goodie bags to members of the public in Ayer Baloi and Kampung Kayu Ara Pasong in Pontian in conjunction with Chinese New Year.

PONTIAN: A local leader has likened Johor to a caged tiger that needs to be released to realise its full potential.

With the Johor snap polls coming up, Pontian MCA chief Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said the state needs a multi-racial and experienced group of people in government to bring it to greater heights to benefit the people.

“The coming lunar new year will see the ushering in of the Year of the Tiger and Johor’s politics and economy should also emerge like a tiger coming out of its cage.

“The tiger that is Johor has been locked in a cage for a long time in the past and whether it can show its might down the road is up to the people to carefully decide,” he said in a statement Saturday (Jan 29).

He had earlier handed out mandarin oranges and goodie bags to members of the public in Ayer Baloi and Kampung Kayu Ara Pasong, areas under the Pulai Sebatang constituency in Pontian in conjunction with Chinese New Year.

Tee, who is also adviser to caretaker Johor mentri besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad, said after the 14th General Election in 2018, the people have experienced 22 months and (the following) 17 months of economic downturn and political instability.

This situation must be addressed and rectified as it not only affects the state’s development but also the people’s lives, he added.

He said last year, Hasni visited each of Johor’s 10 districts and had come up with a clear direction and plan for the state’s developments in the next 10 to 30 years.

“I believe that a capable and diverse state government can bring Johor forward as the state has many strengths from its geographical location, resources, human capital and a wise royal family.

“Besides, a multi-racial government also ensures issues related to the Chinese community such as temple matters and the preservation of traditions and cultures could be safeguarded,” he said.

The Johor State Assembly was dissolved on Jan 22, paving the way for a snap election.