Johor, Singapore must embrace strengths, not compete
Speaking at the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship dinner here last night, Onn Hafiz said Singapore's capital and connectivity, paired with Johor's land and labour advantages, make the two neighbours natural allies.
"Let's stop thinking in terms of rivalry and focus on shared strategy. Together, we can build regional supply chains, renewable energy projects, data infrastructure and food security frameworks," he said.
The menteri besar praised Singapore's transformation under its founding father, calling Lee Kuan Yew "a statesman whose vision uplifted not only Singapore, but leadership standards across the region."
"It's not always easy being Singapore's neighbour when your people constantly compare roads, airports and customer service! But the truth is, we admire Singapore deeply," Onn Hafiz said, acknowledging the often inevitable comparisons between Johor and its neighbour.
He said the Johor-Singapore relationship is one of the most important bilateral dynamics in Southeast Asia and must be protected and deepened.
"It is goodwill, not just GDP, that sustains partnerships."
Onn Hafiz also urged both sides to fully realise the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
"If we plan wisely, we can create a corridor of prosperity from Woodlands to Iskandar Puteri and beyond."
"Our friends in Singapore are always welcome in Johor, not just for better food, but for real partnership and shared progress," he added.
The event, attended by Singapore Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and other dignitaries, marked Onn Hafiz's participation as a Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellow, joining a select group of regional leaders honoured for their contributions to diplomacy and development.
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