"Outsiders, Please Don't Interfere"

Today at the 2nd Session of the 13th Johor State Legislative Assembly at Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim at Jalan Bukit Timbalan, Johor Baru.

The Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar doesn't think the Federal Government's proposal to set the minimum price of properties for foreign buyers at RM1 million is right for Johor. The Sultan said it may be ok for Kuala Lumpur but not in Johor.  The RM500,000 minimum price for strata-title properties or condominiums can still be acceptable but for landed properties, the minimum price should be RM2 million. Definitely not RM1 million.

  "The government should also be strict with developers regarding the construction of low-cost and medium-cost housing, and developers who did not observe the ruling are to be blacklisted and their building plans will not be approved in the future," the ruler said.
  The Sultan further said that Johor is different from other states as her neighbour is a developed country.
  "Isn't it the people of Johor who will understand better the local issues more than those in Putrajaya?  Do people in Putrajaya understand better the needs and wants of Johor and its Rakyat," the ruler added.

  On a separate matter, the Sultan said that it was vital for an environmental impact assessment report (EIA) to be prepared for each property development project.
  However, he said certain parties could use the EIA as a weapon to stop a development just because it does not benefit them.
  He cited the case of the Memorandum of Understanding which was signed with Benalec three years ago, and witnessed by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
  "A delay in issuing the EIA only obstructs the development of the project and prompts investors to move to another location," he said.

  In yet another matter, the Sultan said he was very pleased with the state government as for the first time, the state government has a surplus of RM485 million.

Meanwhile, excerpts from Rakyat Post

  While expressing gratitude that Johor had been developing well, Sultan Ibrahim reminded all elected representatives to prioritise the people’s interest over that of their own.

  “I wish to remind state representatives to shoulder their responsibilities without any preference for race, religion or political beliefs.”  

and excerpts from Bernama

On the influx of investors from China into the state, especially in real estate, Sultan Ibrahim said investments such as these were needed for economic development as Johor could depend solely on local investors.

"It is a coincidence that at the moment, only investors from China appear to be interested to come to Johor as they believe in the potential of the state as well as the government's policy of being investor-friendly," he said.

Expressing his gratitude that Johor was becoming more prosperous, Sultan Ibrahim reminded all State Assemblymen to place the interests of the people above their political interest.

He also said all State Assemblymen should observe etiquettes of decency and decorum in their debates.  

At the end of the chaotic workday, I waltzed over to the Johor Zoo to look at these three adorable tiger cubs which are the zoo's new attractions.