JOHOR BARU: Barisan Nasional has started preparing for possible Johor state polls by organising an election preparation camp, attended by more than 250 local MCA leaders.
Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said he hoped all MCA leaders, grassroots members, local councillors and village heads would continue to work hand in hand with the state government.
"Together, we must serve and care for the people diligently, ensuring that Johor continues to scale new heights under Barisan Nasional's leadership," the MCA president said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (April 14).
The two-day Johor MCA State Election Preparation Camp on April 11 and 12 was also attended by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who gave words of encouragement to the 127 local councillors and 123 village heads present.
"His presence was truly meaningful and I hope everyone will continue to serve with the spirit of 'Team Johor'," Dr Wee said, adding that during the camp, they also observed a minute of silence for former party president Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik.
He added that Onn Hafiz said Johor should no longer be treated as an experimental ground.
"I fully agree with this sentiment, as the cost of such experimentation has been significant.
"Take the Johor–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) as an example.
"Had it not been for the earlier uncertainty of 'if it doesn't work, we can always reverse it', the project could have been operational two years ago," he said, adding that recognising the need to recover lost ground, the Johor MB has led the state government under Barisan Nasional with urgency and determination by moving at what many now call "Johor speed."
Dr Wee said that this approach delivered tangible and impressive results that could be witness today.
"Driven by this momentum, Johor achieved a historic milestone last year by attracting RM110bil in investments – the highest ever recorded for both the state and the nation," he said.
Dr Wee stressed that this success has strengthened public confidence in Onn Hafiz's leadership.
"Importantly, the state government has also ensured that the benefits of economic success are shared with the people especially through the various Bantuan Kasih Johor initiatives, amounting to RM170mil," he said, adding that the assistance has reached over 330,000 Johoreans, including vulnerable groups, university students, patients and e-hailing drivers.
Dr Wee said former MCA president Tan Sri Dr Chua Soi Lek was also invited to deliver a keynote address.
He also engaged in a half-hour dialogue with local representatives, sharing valuable insights from his experience as a former Johor state executive councillor.
Talk is rife that of an early state election, although the present government's term is only expected to end by March 2027.
