Latest news with #stateassembly
Free Malaysia Today
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
State polls not until 2027, says Johor MB
Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said politicians should work together to foster cooperation. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi today maintained that the state election would not be held ahead of schedule. 'This is not an election season,' he said in a Berita Harian report. 'The administration's term only ends in April 2027, so as decreed by Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, our focus must be on developing the state. 'Let us find common ground to foster cooperation, not division,' he said at the Johor state assembly. Last week, Johor Amanah called on Umno to clarify whether it would cooperate with Pakatan Harapan or contest independently in the state election to come. Deputy Johor Amanah chief Dzulkefly Ahmad said that since Umno-Barisan Nasional (BN) seemed unwilling to negotiate over seat allocations, PH might consider going solo at the state polls. The 2022 Johor state election saw BN win a two-thirds majority by capturing 40 out of 56 state assembly seats. PH clinched 12 seats while Perikatan Nasional claimed three and Muda won one.
Free Malaysia Today
22-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Chow vows to leave term with ‘battle-ready' RM1bil in reserves
Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said his RM1 billion goal will give the next administration fiscal room to fund development and public welfare. (Bernama pic) GEORGE TOWN : Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow has expressed hope to leave Penang in solid financial health, with RM1 billion in reserves by the end of his final term in office. His remarks follow confirmation that the state received a RM100 million cash advance from Putrajaya to offset a projected deficit this year. 'With these achievements and our continued commitment, I am confident our Penang 2030 agenda will be fulfilled,' he said during his winding-up speech on the motion of thanks to the governor at the state assembly today. 'I hope to hand over the state in strong financial standing, what I call surrendering the state in a battle-ready condition.' Chow, who assumed his chief ministership in 2018, will leave at the end of this term. He said the RM1 billion goal would give the next administration fiscal room to fund development and public welfare before quipping 'not for salary hikes'. According to Chow, the RM100 million advance was approved and disbursed last year and will be repaid through reduced federal grants between 2027 and 2029. He also confirmed that Putrajaya had rejected Penang's long-standing demand for 20% of federal tax revenue collected in the state to be returned. 'We accept that they've rejected it, but we will continue to demand it,' he said. As of May 20, Penang recorded RM374.4 million in revenue and RM296.2 million in expenditure, resulting in a surplus of RM78.2 million. Its consolidated fund account currently stands at RM235.5 million. According to a handout, 67% of the state's revenue came from non-tax sources like land premiums and investment returns, while taxes contribute 26%. Despite this year's surplus, Chow said, Penang ran deficits from 2020 to 2024, with the worst in 2023 when spending reached RM951.7 million against RM592.9 million in revenue. He attributed the shortfall to increased welfare programmes and grants to agencies. Chow also noted that Penang recorded the highest reserves in 2019 at RM1.15 billion, which was largely driven by proceeds from the Bayan Mutiara land deal. Of that, he said, RM621.5 million was actual state revenue after accounting for the Penang Development Corporation's share.
Malay Mail
19-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Penang opposition leader questions Mutiara LRT project costs and impact
GEORGE TOWN, May 19 — Penang opposition leader Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff (PAS-Sungai Dua) has called for greater transparency regarding the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Penang. He questioned the rising costs of the multibillion-ringgit project and its effectiveness in addressing the state's worsening traffic congestion. 'The government continues to push the LRT and Pan Island Link (PIL) projects as ultimate solutions to traffic congestion, but we need to know: what is the actual cost of this LRT project? Is it truly the best solution, and most importantly, is it worth it?' he said during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri's speech in the state legislative assembly today. Muhammad Fauzi also urged the state government to release the Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) report for the project, calling it a critical document for a mega project of this scale. 'This project will undoubtedly worsen traffic congestion during its construction phase. What measures will the government take to address this issue?' he asked. He further inquired about the status of land acquisition for the LRT project. 'The government has said land acquisition will be carried out in stages and maintained at a nominal rate. Has this process been completed? How many families or businesses will be affected?' he asked. Muhammad Fauzi raised concerns about underground infrastructure works such as water pipes, sewerage systems, and utility cables, which need to be relocated for the project. 'A project of this scale requires early management of underground utilities to avoid delays and additional costs. Has a timeline been set for these relocations, and are their costs included in the overall project budget?' he asked. He also questioned whether Penangites would widely use the LRT once it is operational. 'We need to know what percentage of Penangites are expected to use this LRT. Are the proposed station locations aligned with the daily routes of residents traveling between homes, workplaces, towns, and industrial areas?' he asked. Muhammad Fauzi suggested that improving the public bus system might be a more practical alternative. 'The state can expand the existing Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) services, which are more effective,' he said, adding that the government should compare the costs and socio-economic impacts of other public transport options before committing to the LRT. He pointed out that while the LRT was promoted as a tourist attraction with a station near Penang International Airport, a Rapid Bus service already serves the area. Regarding the proposed alignment connecting Penang Island and Penang Sentral in Butterworth, he asked whether it would involve an underwater tunnel or an elevated bridge. 'Each method comes with different costs and impacts, particularly on the marine environment and coastal ecosystems. Long-term safety and maintenance risks must also be considered, especially if an underwater route is chosen, which would require ventilation, drainage, and specialised technology,' he said. Muhammad Fauzi urged the government to conduct a detailed study on the alignment. 'What are the technical and financial justifications for the proposed route?' he asked. He emphasised that the opposition is not against development but wants projects that genuinely benefit the people. 'We do not want to see Penang become an elite city that marginalises ordinary citizens to benefit developers,' he said.
Malay Mail
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘Serve the people, not politics': Johor Regent tells assemblymen to stay focused and accountable
ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 16 — Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim today reminded all assemblymen to carry out their responsibilities effectively by providing the best service to the people and the state. His Majesty said the state assemblymen must continue working to develop and improve the living standards of Johoreans, regardless of the election cycle. 'This is not an election season, and you have all been elected to serve the people. 'So, please focus on that responsibility. The people of Johor need assemblymen who are accountable and effective in serving them. 'Take care of your conduct and serve well so that Johor remains progressive and is admired and respected,' said Tunku Mahkota Ismail after officiating the fourth term of the 15th state legislative assembly session at the Sultan Ismail Building in Kota Iskandar here today. Tunku Mahkota Ismail also reminded all assemblymen not to use the state assembly to pursue personal conflicts or political interests, as it could make them a laughing stock. 'The state assembly serves as a platform to discuss policies, enact laws and most importantly, to champion the well being of the people of Johor,' he said, calling for all assemblymen to uphold the harmony which has been the tradition of the state assembly. Meanwhile, the Regent also stressed on the importance of Johor being administered by officers with high professional standards and skills. Tunku Mahkota Ismail reminded all that Johor is developing rapidly and that it is only appropriate to improve the standards of Johor Civil Service (JCS) officers. He said that as the backbone of the government in formulating policies, they should support the implementation of various initiatives and serve as a bridge between the state government and the people of Johor. 'They need to be equipped with global knowledge and leadership skills that are in line with today's needs. 'As an initial step, the state government through the Darul Ta'zim Permodalan Education Fund has taken the initiative to sponsor senior civil service officers in Johor to follow world-class professional development courses at international educational institutions, including Ivy League universities in the United States,' he said.
