Pakatan Harapan (PH) has unveiled its manifesto for the Johor election scheduled on July 11, setting out an ambitious plan to transform the southern state into the “Shenzhen of Southeast Asia”.
Drawing parallels with Shenzhen’s rapid rise into a major technology powerhouse in China, the coalition said its proposals are aimed at accelerating Johor’s economic and social development over the coming years.
Among the key proposals is a plan to attract 20,000 skilled professionals currently working in Singapore to return to Johor by 2031, supported through job creation initiatives and entrepreneurship incentives.
PH also proposed a healthcare scheme offering up to RM100,000 in public health insurance coverage for 500,000 Johoreans, focusing on the B40 and M40 income groups as well as persons with disabilities.
In addition, the coalition pledged RM8,000 assistance for 50,000 young families to help with home down payments, alongside easier financing options, rent-to-own schemes, and a target of building 80,000 affordable homes within five years.
Other initiatives include a RM1,000 newborn bonus for every child born in Johor, the establishment of 250 Madani childcare centres to support working women, and a RM50 monthly public transport pass for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
PH said the manifesto reflects its commitment to inclusive growth, with further details expected as the campaign progresses.
