JOHOR BARU: Cooperation between the Federal Government and Johor has helped drive the state to record-high investments, and the momentum should be carried into the upcoming Johor election, says PKR strategic director Sim Tze Tzin.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister said political stability remained a key factor in attracting investors.
"Political stability is a highly important factor for investors to come to Malaysia. In the past, the Sheraton Move and changes in government caused the nation's economy to suffer.
"With a stable government, investors are confident to come in, as seen since 2023 when investments started to grow exponentially," he said after meeting the Johor Baru Chinese Chamber of Commerce at a hotel here on Monday (April 27).
Sim said Johor recorded RM110bil in investments last year, making it the top-ranked state in the country, and attributed the achievement to strong cooperation between the Federal and state administrations.
He said Johor also secured 1,348 new projects last year, representing a 69.6% increase in the number of projects compared to 2024.
Asked whether there is a need for Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan to work together in the state polls, which has been widely speculated to take place soon, Sim said the political landscape remains fluid but stressed stability.
"While we still do not know what will happen down the line, politics is dynamic, but I hope the rakyat also see the importance of political stability.
"We have to look at the bigger picture, which is survival for our people. I hope the state leadership has the maturity and foresight to ensure that," he said.
On the conflict in Iran, Sim said his ministry has received positive responses from investors.
"The war is very unfortunate but it also presents an opportunity for us to position Malaysia as a stable investment destination in this region," he said.
