Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.

Pakatan Harapan has just launched its manifesto for the upcoming Johor election, themed ‘Johor For All’, which promises to revitalize the state through a comprehensive suite of programs, incentives, and aid aimed at attracting and retaining top talent.

Through the manifesto, the coalition proposes to turn the state into Southeast Asia’s version of Shenzhen, China’s hub of tech and manufacturing.

Centered around five core pillars – sustainable employment, affordable housing, general prosperity, and a government defined by integrity – PKR state leadership council vice-chief Dr Maszlee Malik described the manifesto as a pragmatic implementation plan rather than just a political promise.

Here are some of the highlights from the manifesto:

Creation of 250,000 high-paying jobs through the JS-SEZ and boost the state’s median wage by at least 30%.

Target 50,000 new jobs annually, backed by training and reskilling programs for 10,000 workers in AI, automation, smart logistics, manufacturing, and modern agriculture.

“Program Balik Johor” aims to draw 20,000 Johoreans working in Singapore and abroad back home by 2031 through specialized employment and entrepreneurship incentives.

Pledge up to RM100,000 in annual coverage under a new Johor Health Scheme, alongside RM8,000 in first-home assistance for young Johoreans.

Commitment to building 80,000 affordable homes within the next five years.

Propose a RM1 billion fund for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and a RM500 million Johor Youth Fund to drive business and youth growth.

Promise to equip all schools with gigabit internet access and AI capabilities by 2030.

Outline a broader cooperation framework targeting a 50% reduction in Johor-Singapore border waiting times.

Speaking at the New York Hotel on Jalan Datuk Abdullah Tahir, Johor Bahru, PH election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari stated that the coalition’s manifesto aims to empower Johor as a self-sustaining economic powerhouse, moving away from being a mere “feeder” to Singapore. He credited major projects like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Johor Bahru Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, and Forest City’s revitalization to strong backing from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Federal Government.

However, he emphasized that Johor requires its own long-term strategy to complement federal efforts, and to ensure economic growth is shared fairly across all districts, a PH state government will take three to six months to draft a comprehensive development blueprint. This plan will replicate PH’s governing successes elsewhere, focusing on sustainable development that benefits all Johoreans.

The Johor state election will see 172 candidates vie for 56 state seats, with July 11 set as polling day, while early voting is on July 7.

PH is fielding candidates in all 56 state seats.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Threads.