KUALA LUMPUR — Johor caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has rejected Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Master Plan, saying the document does not require Singapore’s approval and is ready for launch after completing the engagement process.
In a Facebook statement, Onn Hafiz said the Master Plan is a Malaysian government document that has already undergone engagement and feedback with Singapore, and does not require bilateral approval.
“All that remains is for it to be launched by the relevant ministry or at a ceremony decided by the Federal Government of Malaysia,” he said.
He added that it should not be described as awaiting approval at the upcoming Leaders’ Retreat, calling such claims “inaccurate and misleading to the public”.
Anwar, however, maintained that the JS-SEZ remains a federal initiative implemented in coordination with Singapore, and that formal processes involving announcements and signing are conducted at the level of both countries’ prime ministers.
“This is a federal government project, naturally in collaboration with the state government. The matter of announcements and signing is between the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Prime Minister of Singapore,” he said after Friday prayers at Masjid As-Sodiqin, Taman Kobena.
The Prime Minister also cautioned against politicising the matter, saying relevant explanations had already been issued by the Ministry of Economy.
The exchange follows Onn Hafiz’s call for the federal government to expedite the announcement of the Master Plan to maintain investor confidence and sustain Johor’s economic momentum.
He said the initiative had drawn strong interest from investors awaiting clarity on its implementation timeline.
“Many investors have been asking and are awaiting the launch of this master plan. It will give investors greater confidence to continue investing in the JS-SEZ, with the spillover benefits also to be enjoyed by the Federal Government for the benefit of Bangsa Johor and the people of Malaysia,” he said.
Onn Hafiz also responded to criticism from Anwar over the issue being raised during political campaigning, saying his remarks were made in the interest of ensuring timely implementation of the project.
Addressing the Prime Minister directly, he said national leaders must ensure accuracy in public statements.
“Yes, I am aware that I am not of the stature of the Prime Minister. However, with due respect, I believe that when someone holds the nation’s highest office, every statement made must be based on accurate facts.
“In the Prime Minister’s view, I may not be intelligent. But what is more worrying is if the Prime Minister is seen as not being diligent and making inaccurate statements. This affects not only the people of Malaysia and Bangsa Johor, but also investors who have invested or are considering investing in the JS-SEZ,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar had criticised the use of the JS-SEZ issue in campaigning, reiterating that it is a federal initiative implemented with state cooperation and should not be politicised.
He said matters involving formal agreements remain strictly between the leaders of Malaysia and Singapore, reinforcing that the project is driven at federal level while involving close bilateral coordination. – July 4, 2026