JOHOR BARU: A victory for Barisan Nasional in the Johor election will allow a strong and stable government to be formed and restore the state as a beacon to investors, says Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

       He said Johor used to be the top state in the country in terms of getting foreign and domestic investments under Barisan’s administration previously.

       “But now, the state has dropped to number eight,” he said in his speech at a meeting with MIC machinery in Tampoi here on Friday (March 11).

       Ahmad Zahid added that when Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad was given the opportunity to lead the state government in March 2020, he had to repair the damage done by his two predecessors from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.

       “They (the Opposition, prior to GE14 in 2018) promised that Johor would be their top priority when they were the government but there was no trust from foreign investors.

       “Many relocated their businesses and even Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail told me some RM18bill worth of investments moved from Johor to Pahang,” he added.

       Ahmad Zahid said those investors moved to Pahang as the political situation there was more stable.

       He added that this was the main reason why voters should give Hasni a strong mandate to form the government in Johor.

       “Tomorrow (Saturday, March 12) is an important day for voters to (bring about) political stability and Barisan is sincere in helping the people. We have a proven track record,” he added.