Johor’s Menteri Besar (chief minister) Onn Hafiz Ghazi expressed optimism about the future relationship between Johor and Singapore, emphasising that both regions will see better days ahead if they continue to work together. Speaking at the National University of Singapore Society’s 70th Anniversary Lecture on Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024, Onn Hafiz described Singapore as an “annoying but overachieving” sibling to Johor. He stressed the importance of adapting to changing times and not hesitating to “push the reset button” when necessary.
Background
Onn Hafiz’s remarks come at a time when the relationship between Johor and Singapore is seen as crucial for regional stability and economic growth. The chief minister acknowledged the guidance of Sultan Ibrahim of Johor and the support from prime ministers Anwar Ibrahim and Lawrence Wong in fostering this relationship. He highlighted the need for strong personal relationships among leaders and the importance of collaboration at business and civil levels to ensure the “Malaysia-Singapore-Johor” nexus thrives.
The special Johor-Singapore relationship
During his speech, Onn Hafiz underscored the significance of personal relationships in maintaining strong ties between Johor and Singapore. He thanked Sultan Ibrahim for his guidance and acknowledged the unwavering support from prime ministers Anwar Ibrahim and Lawrence Wong. “Part of the reason Malaysia and Singapore’s bilateral relationship thrived is because our leaders knew and understood each other,” he said. He also stressed the importance of forging links at business and civil levels, stating that the “Malaysia-Singapore-Johor” nexus is vital for mutual success.
Johor-Singapore SEZ and “overachieving sibling”
Onn Hafiz outlined the priorities for Johor, including the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ). He mentioned the Johor 2030 Initiative, which focuses on governance, economic development, and social safety nets. Emphasising that economic development should benefit the local population, he pointed out that 1.5 million Malaysians work in Singapore, with 300,000 crossing the border daily for work. He described Singapore as Johor’s “overachieving yet annoying” sibling, highlighting the intertwined histories of both regions and the need for a sustainable and equitable future. “There is no need for a race to the bottom,” he said. “We must pull each other up to the pinnacle.”
Success cannot be taken for granted
Onn Hafiz cautioned that success is not guaranteed and requires continuous effort. He shared his personal experience of visiting the customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) complex to understand and address congestion issues. This experience strengthened his resolve to improve conditions for both Malaysians and Singaporeans. He also mentioned Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN, which offers opportunities for closer cooperation. “Remember the strength of [the] Johor and Singapore relationship lies in its people. Sincerity is key. If you are sincerely helping to lift one another, I believe we will all be winners in the long run,” he concluded.
Future implications and developments
Looking ahead, the Johor-Singapore SEZ will be a focal point for both regions, with further discussions planned during the leaders’ retreat in October. Onn Hafiz highlighted Johor’s strategic position, international ports, and available land as key factors that will contribute to the SEZ’s success. The ongoing collaboration between Johor and Singapore aims to create a sustainable and prosperous future for both regions, ensuring that the benefits of economic development are shared by all.
