Let state govts implement federal projects, Putrajaya told
Onn Hafiz Ghazi urged the federal government to use Johor 'as a pilot project' in carrying out federal development plans. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has called on the federal government to entrust state governments with implementing federal development projects meant for the people.
Onn Hafiz said 222 projects supposed to be implemented in Johor between 2016 and 2024 have got off the ground. He suggested that the federal government empower state governments to carry out the projects, starting with Johor 'as a pilot project'.
He said some of the stalled projects included hospitals, health clinics, roads and mosques, for which the total cost amounted to RM10 billion, Berita Harian reported.
'And when we enquire about it in meetings, they tell us, 'don't worry, we will check with the relevant ministries and approve'. These are projects that are meant for the 'rakyat', but till today, work has not started on any of them,' he was quoted as saying.
He said it was time for the federal government to entrust the state governments with the task of implementing these projects. Onn Hafiz, who is Johor Umno chief, said his party would bear the brunt when these projects are not realised.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Japan spots Chinese ships near disputed isles for record 216 straight days
TOKYO, June 22 — Japan spotted Chinese vessels sailing near disputed islets in the East China Sea for a record 216 consecutive days, Tokyo's coast guard said today. The Tokyo-administered islands, known as the Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan, have long been a sore point between the neighbours. Today, Japan said it observed four Chinese coast guard vessels sailing in the 'contiguous' zone, referring to a 12-nautical-mile band that extends beyond Japan's territorial waters. Last year, Chinese vessels sailed near the Tokyo-administered island chain a record 355 times, including for a period of 215 consecutive days, a Japanese coast guard spokesman told AFP. Japanese officials regularly protest the presence of the Chinese coast guard and other vessels in the waters surrounding the remote, disputed islands. Relations between Japan and China were strained by Tokyo's decision to 'nationalise' some of the islands in 2012. On Friday, Japan's coast guard and its US and Filipino counterparts staged joint training drills off Japan's southwest shore — the second time the countries' coast guards have held training drills together, and the first in Japan. Territorial disputes with China have pushed Japan to forge deeper ties with the Philippines and the United States. Earlier this month, Tokyo and Beijing traded barbs over close encounters between their military planes over the Pacific high seas. — AFP
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
‘Leadership isn't about physical strength': PAS backs Hadi to stay as president despite heart surgery, with Tuan Ibrahim dismissing renewal concerns
PARIT, June 22 — PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has today affirmed the party's continued support for Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang to remain as president, amid calls for a leadership change due to health concerns and party rejuvenation. New Straits Times reported Tuan Ibrahim saying Abdul Hadi's leadership and vision remain vital for PAS, especially following the Islamist party's recent electoral gains and strong performance. 'There are no major health issues. Tuan Guru recently received treatment at the National Heart Institute, and he is in good health. We expect him to be discharged within a day or two,' he said, referring to Abdul Hadi. 'Our best achievements were under Tok Guru's leadership including 34 parliamentary seats and victories in numerous state seats. So why stop when we are succeeding? 'Leadership is not about physical strength, but about ideas, vision, and management. That is what truly matters, and we believe Tok Guru is still capable,' he added while officianting the PAS Parit division annual general meeting. His comments come amid speculation of a potential leadership reshuffle ahead of the party's 71st Muktamar — or annual congress — in September, part of wider discussions on internal renewal. In February, it was reported that Tuan Ibrahim had not confirmed whether he would defend his deputy president post, stating that it was up to PAS delegates to nominate him if they wished. Tuan Ibrahim also highlighted Abdul Hadi's influence in global Islamic circles, saying he is regularly consulted on international issues, including the Sunni-Shiah divide and the Israel conflict. Abdul Hadi, who is also Marang MP, had earlier this week undergone heart surgery. Supporters and critics have predicted that Abdul Hadi may take the less strenuous post of spiritual adviser rather than president, with Datuk Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar widely seen as a possible successor.
Focus Malaysia
an hour ago
- Focus Malaysia
How is PAS's credibility faring vs UMNO's struggling defense of Malay values?
ZAID Ibrahim's recent endorsement of PAS' potential to uplift Malaysia has bolstered the party's image as a credible Islamic force. The former minister praised PAS's 'moral clarity', stating, 'History has shown us that clerical leadership can steer nations through immense adversity.' Just look at Iran. Guided by its Council of Guardians, religious scholars with deep ideological conviction, Iran not only survived but asserted its independence despite decades of war and crippling sanctions from global superpowers,' he said last week in a Facebook post. This comparison to Iran's resilient leadership underscores PAS's ideological strength, which Zaid believes can elevate Malaysia if paired with good governance and inclusivity. PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan welcomed this, emphasizing the party's commitment to morality and ethics, citing Western thinkers like Plato and Kant, and the UK's Seven Nolan Principles. He asserted, 'This also justifies PAS' firm stance on the matter, which Zaid has acknowledged, particularly in terms of the party's leadership being free from corruption and corrupt practices.' With 43 Dewan Rakyat seats and control over four states, PAS's growing influence contrasts sharply with UMNO's struggles. Since losing power in 2018, UMNO has faced challenges in defending Malay race and religion. UMNO secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki claimed, 'UMNO was born from the womb of a struggle rooted in safeguarding the sanctity of Islam, strengthening the dignity of the Malay race, and preserving the sovereignty of the homeland.' Yet, he admitted the 22-month period post-2018 saw Islam 'belittled' and Malay agendas, like MARA's focus, undermined by policies favouring equality over Malay privileges. UMNO's narrative of betrayal, exemplified by Asyraf's reference to ICERD and Statut Rom, paints rivals as opportunists who are 'selling our religion.' However, UMNO's own credibility has been tarnished by corruption scandals pre-2018, weakening its moral authority compared to PAS's cleaner image. While UMNO touts victories like the 2019 Cameron Highlands by-election, its broader appeal remains hampered by internal divisions and public distrust. PAS's emphasis on ethical governance aligns with public demand for integrity, positioning it as a formidable alternative. UMNO, despite its historical dominance, struggles to reclaim its role as the champion of Malay-Muslim interests, as its past governance failures overshadow its rhetoric. —June 22, 2025 Main image: Malay Mail
