MUAR: The Federal Government should use Johor to test the state's ability to manage its own finances, says Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
"It can be any amount, whether 20% or 30% of the revenue collected in the state. We have been implementing many people-centric programmes, but we face financial constraints.
"We hope the federal government will consider the proposal made by Johor Regent Tuanku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim," he said.
Onn Hafiz said this during the launch of the 2025 National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign at Dataran Tanjung Emas on Sunday (July 27), marking the beginning of the nationwide celebration.
Recently, Tunku Ismail suggested that 25% of Johor’s income tax revenue should be returned to the state.
"This will allow Johor to stand on its own feet. I have just been informed about the delay in the opening of the Pasir Gudang Hospital, which was supposed to open in phases starting in August 2025, and I am disappointed that it has been postponed to January 2026," he added.
He also cited recent issues, such as the autogate system disruptions at the Sultan Iskandar Building Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine complex (BSI) and the Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ complex (KSAB), as well as concerns related to hospitals, flood mitigation projects, and others.
"I wish to convey to Johoreans how important it is for 25% of the state’s income tax revenue to be returned to Johor. Through this tax return, we would not need to burden the federal government or submit applications to the Federal Government and then endure a long wait for approval," he added.
