PONTIAN: A strong and stable state government is needed for Johor to regain its position as a preferred destination for investors and tourists, says caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad.

       He said reopening the Johor Causeway was among measures needed to spur development in the state.

       “I will continue to champion these issues, to increase the quota of those who can travel via the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL-Land).

       “However, all this is subject to the current Covid-19 situation,” he told reporters after presenting Chinese New Year goodies to his Benut constituents here yesterday.

       Hasni said Johor used to be in either the first or second spot for foreign investments coming into Malaysia. But now, he said, the state had slipped to number eight for foreign investments and number six for domestic investments.

       “This should not be happening as we are an important gateway in the south, especially with Singapore,” he added.

       He said as Mentri Besar, he had to ensure Johor was on the right track and headed in the right direction.

       “This state has a lot of potential and we must do our best to ensure Johor continues to prosper.”

       Earlier in his speech, Hasni said nobody had pressured him into dissolving the state assembly.

       The decision, he said, was to bring about stability, since his previous administration just had a one-seat majority following the death of Kempas assemblyman Datuk Osman Sapian.

       “I could have continued as MB until the end of my term. Johor deserves better, with a stable and strong government.

       “As such, I returned the mandate to the people, to choose the government they want,” he added.

       Hasni also said he would like to contest the Benut state seat again.