PAGOH: Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali questioned claims that Johor is a developed state, pointing to recurring water supply disruptions in several districts as evidence that many residents are still struggling with basic necessities.
Azmin, who is also Bersatu election director, said he had spent the past three weeks travelling across the state and listening to the concerns of voters.
He claimed that water-related complaints were among the most common issues raised by residents, with some districts facing water rationing while others continued to experience frequent supply disruptions.
“If the state is developed, Alhamdulillah. But what is the meaning of development if the people are still struggling below?
“How can Johor be considered developed when there are districts facing water rationing and recurring water supply disruptions?” he said in his speech during the announcement of Bersatu’s candidates for the Johor state election here on Thursday (June 25) night.
He added that development should be measured not only by physical projects but also by the well-being of ordinary rakyat.
Azmin also described Bersatu’s candidates as capable, credible and integrity-driven individuals who were selected through a rigorous screening process and would carry the Perikatan Nasional and Bersatu brand, which he characterised as moderate, inclusive and progressive.
Drawing on his experience as former Selangor menteri besar, he highlighted several welfare initiatives introduced during his administration, including free water, healthcare assistance and financial aid programmes, saying such measures demonstrated that people-centric governance could directly improve the lives of citizens.
“I am not bringing fairy tales to Johor. I am bringing facts because these are programmes that were implemented before,” he added.
Urging Johoreans to support Perikatan Nasional and Bersatu candidates on July 11, Azmin said the coalition was fielding a mix of experienced leaders and energetic new faces and remained confident of making an impact in the state election.
