PM reminds voters to safeguard their future
KULAI: Johoreans working outstation, particularly young voters, should return to vote on July 11 to safeguard their future and that of the state, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister also reminded these voters that their ballots would be crucial in determining the outcome of the polls.
“I urge our young people, the workers in Singapore and those in Kuala Lumpur, to come back and vote on July 11.
“You need to safeguard your future and the future of Johor,” he said at the Kita GenK Madani X Anak Muda Bukit Batu event here yesterday.
He also drew a distinction between Putrajaya’s federal responsibilities and those of the Johor state administration.
“Leave the mega projects such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link to us. We have funds for that.
“You should take care of the roadside stalls, the traders and the maintenance of the people’s low-cost housing. That is the state government’s jurisdiction,” said Anwar.
He noted that Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Perak had successfully upgraded and revitalised low-cost housing due to the commitment shown by both the respective state leaderships and the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
He hinted that the Federal Government would increase its welfare assistance for the people but stopped short of revealing the details.
“I cannot announce it right now. If you support the Madani government, we will help where we can.”
Meanwhile, at a separate event at a public housing project in Kempas, Anwar reminded young voters not to be swayed by racial political rhetoric, particularly claims that the Malay majority was at risk of losing power in the country.
The Prime Minister also raised the “onslaught of racism and religious bigotry” as one of the challenges facing the government in building an inclusive and compassionate society during a separate event with Johor Christian leaders in Johor Baru.
“The whole narrative in this campaign in Johor and in this country is about racial supremacy.
“Some people are gullible, but it is our duty to disseminate the correct information,” he said.
Without naming any political parties, Anwar criticised leaders who championed racial supremacy while enriching themselves at the expense of the people.
“The louder they talk about Malay supremacy, the wealthier they become.
“They speak about protecting the Malays but quietly squander public wealth, including wealth meant for poor Malays,” he said, adding that he would continue to oppose such politics.
He also defended Malaysia’s multicultural character, saying that every community should be free to take pride in its language, culture and faith while respecting those of others.
Anwar said Malaysia’s future depended on rejecting extremism and strengthening unity, compassion and mutual respect among its diverse communities.
He also gave his assurance that the Federal Government remained committed to safeguarding religious freedom and engaging fairly with all communities, although he acknowledged that improvements were still needed at the state and local council levels.
He said leaders at every level of government must continue to engage all communities fairly to ensure Malaysia remained peaceful, stable and progressive.
