MAHATHIR-ESQUE POLICY
PN leaders have largely been silent on the government’s initiatives in south Johor, namely the proposed Special Economic Zone with Singapore and the Forest City Special Financial Zone, but PN will likely promote a more Mahathir-esque economic policy in Johor that is more isolationist in nature.
Dr Mahathir Mohamad is, after all, the adviser to the four PN state governments of Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis. Mahathir has been critical of developments in south Johor and, most recently, has criticised the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link.
Despite holding no official position, Mahathir’s remarks are often seen to require a response from the government. His recent comments that Malaysia has been subsidising Singapore’s water supply have forced the government to declare that it is reviewing the relevant agreements.
The resurfacing of old contentious bilateral issues, if not managed well, will disrupt the government’s plans for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Forest City Special Financial Zone.
Mahathir is not the only reason an energised PN is bad news for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Forest City Special Financial Zone. PN chairman and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin’s stronghold is in Pagoh, in northern Johor.
As prime minister, Muhyiddin launched the Pagoh Special Economic Zone in 2021. Strengthening the Pagoh Special Economic Zone was also part of the PN’s manifesto in the Johor state elections in March 2022. Not much has been heard about the Pagoh Special Economic Zone since the change of federal government in November 2022.
With months to go before the federal unity government enters its midterm, the actions of PH and UMNO leaders following the Mahkota by-election will indicate the lifespan of the PH-BN partnership and the credibility of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Forest City Special Financial Zone.
Adib Zalkapli is a public policy consultant advising companies in navigating political challenges in Asia. This commentary first appeared on ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute’s blog, Fulcrum.
