PBM ready to work with next Johor government

Senior vice-president Steven Choong Shiau Yoon said PBM believes the next state government formed would also be like the previous one that was made up of an alliance of several parties.

"As to which party will be helming the government, that remains unclear, but if we have representatives that can contribute to Johor's development, then they will participate in the government and contribute positively.

For now, we have not decided on joining any party, we will wait for the election results. Whoever forms the ruling government, we will hold a meeting to convey our desire to work together," he said at the launch of PBM's manifesto for the Johor polls here today.

PBM which will be contesting the Maharani, Tiram, Puteri Wangsa and Stulang seats has drawn up seven proposals to revive Johor's economy in its manifesto.

To help the people of Johor face the rising cost of living, Choong said PBM has proposed that the government reduce the assessment rate by 20 per cent for residential properties and 10 per cent for commercial building premises for a period of two years.

In addition, in an effort to help hawkers and petty traders, PBM proposed that the business license fee exemption be extended for another two years.

PBM also promised to revive the Johor economy through several investment-based initiatives with a focus on attracting foreign investors.

They include developing a fast-track approval policy, issuing Electronic Immigration Card and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Card to facilitate the entry of foreign investors as well as providing a 'Visa on Arrival' facility to investors from China.

PBM also proposed that the Johor My Second Home policy be implemented to solve the problem of unsold luxury house units as well as allow gardener and cooperative groups to carry out agricultural activities on unused state lands.