Johor Barisan Nasional’s 63 pledges focus on six key areas to sustain development and stability ahead of the 16th state election.
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto for the 16th Johor State Election outlines 63 pledges anchored on six key thrusts aimed at preserving stability and sustaining the state’s development momentum.
The manifesto, themed “Maju Johor, Kestabilan Dikekalkan, Kemajuan Diteruskan”, was formulated based on the state government’s governing experience and achievements over the past four years.
Johor BN chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the mandate previously given by the people had enabled the coalition to implement various development initiatives and improvements for the benefit of the people.
“Alhamdulillah, four years ago, the people of Johor entrusted Barisan Nasional to lead this state. Throughout this period, we have worked hard and achieved significant progress together.
“Building on that experience and track record, I present the Johor Barisan Nasional Manifesto, which outlines 63 pledges based on the six strategic thrusts under the Maju Johor agenda,” he said in a statement.
The six thrusts cover governance, economic development, social safety nets, basic amenities and essential needs, security, cleanliness and environmental sustainability, as well as the development of “Orang Muda Johor”.
Of the 63 pledges, the Johor BN highlighted 11 flagship initiatives expected to have a direct impact on the people, spanning welfare, housing, employment, entrepreneurship and education.
Among them is strengthening the Johor Kasih assistance programme through more targeted mechanisms to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
The Johor BN is also proposing the Johor Youth House Rental Deposit Scheme to assist individuals below the age of 35 who face challenges in meeting the initial costs of securing rental accommodation.
To improve home ownership, RM100 million will be allocated to help low-income families build Johor Subsidised Houses on their own land, including second-generation FELDA lots.
At the same time, existing initiatives such as First Home Assistance, Home Entry Assistance and House Rental Assistance will continue to support residents throughout different stages of their housing journey, from renting to ownership.
On economic development, Johor BN pledges to create 200,000 new high-quality jobs, including 100,000 premium-income opportunities specifically for Johoreans.
Onn Hafiz said Johor’s economic expansion must translate into better wages, stronger skills development and improved career prospects for locals, with Johoreans remaining the primary beneficiaries.
To reduce business start-up costs, Johor BN is offering a waiver on first-year business licence fees for hawkers and small traders, alongside an additional RM100 million in interest-free micro-financing through collaboration with financial institutions.
Johor’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will also be strengthened through business matching initiatives, vendor development programmes, capacity-building efforts and digitalisation to enable participation in strategic investment supply chains.
Education remains another major focus, with an allocation of RM100 million to strengthen the Johor Youth Education Fund to expand access to higher education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), professional certification and future-ready skills.
The Johor BN also pledges to continue the RM200 Johor Student Incentive for students pursuing studies at public higher education institutions, polytechnics and community colleges.
Another key pledge is the implementation of the Semarak Isya’ Programme in every state constituency as an extension of the existing Semarak Subuh initiative to enliven mosques and suraus through educational, spiritual, welfare and volunteer-based activities.
“Semarak Isya’ aims to bring young people, families and local communities closer to mosques and suraus through a more welcoming environment that aligns with their daily lives,” Onn Hafiz said.
He said Johor’s progress must remain balanced between economic growth, public well-being and the strengthening of social values through policies designed around the people’s actual needs.
“These pledges are not merely promises but are built on governance experience, a proven record and our determination to take Johor further forward.
“BN Johor is not starting from scratch because the foundations of development and stability have already been laid over the past four years.
“The seeds that have been planted are beginning to bear fruit. Do not allow Johor’s progress to stop midway. We have built the foundation, we have seen the results, and now is the time to complete the journey,” he said.
He also called on the people of Johor to grant BN a renewed mandate to ensure the state’s development agenda continues in a more organised, stable and effective manner towards a more prosperous and harmonious future.
