No discrimination in state allocation distribution - Zafrul

 

Putrajaya does not practise political discrimination or marginalise any state when channeling allocations and bringing in investments, said senior political adviser to the prime minister, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

Instead, he said the federal government ensures that the benefits of development are enjoyed fairly by all people.

Zafrul, who is also the chairperson of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), said the commitment was proven when Johor recorded a high market investment of RM110 billion last year, thus showing that the government prioritises the economic potential and development needs, not the political colour of a state.

“For example, when we as Mida go to Tokyo, Osaka, China, or Seoul, we never say bring (investment) to Selangor or bring it to Penang just because those two states are under PH (Pakatan Harapan) administration. We do not see it from that angle.

“What is important for us is to make sure that the development is felt by all Malaysians,” he told Bernama after attending an engagement meeting with Segamat district industry players today.

Zafrul said this in response to the perception by some quarters that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Harapan chairperson, is focusing on the northern part of Johor to campaign for the state polls because of certain political motives.

Addressing development gaps

He explained that the frequency of working visits by the federal government leadership to the northern part of Johor is an official recognition to bridge the development gap, as the area has received less attention before.

“To be fair, the prime minister is focusing on all states and all parts of Johor, not just the north or the south.

“But it is a recognition by the prime minister that this northern area has received less support or attention from the Johor state government before.

“That is why we are starting a series of tours in northern Johor to show that we want development at every level and area,” he said.

Zafrul said the claim that the federal government is marginalising the state administration is just a political statement aimed at creating a negative perception.

He added that the extraordinary economic boom in Johor at the moment is driven by close cooperation between the federal government and the state.

Johor will be going to the polls on July 11, while the early voting is on July 7.

- Bernama