Anwar Urges Johor Voters to Choose Leaders With Integrity and Humility

KUALA LUMPUR, June 2026 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Johor voters to choose leaders with integrity, wisdom and humility, saying the quality of elected representatives will shape the future of the state.

Speaking at the Pakatan Harapan Grand Rally in Muar on June 15, Anwar reminded voters that leaders must not become arrogant after winning elections, but should instead focus on solving the problems faced by the people, especially the poor and grassroots communities.

Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman, said politics should not be built on hatred or the exploitation of racial sentiment. He called on voters to think beyond short-term political emotions and consider the future of the country, their children, schools and hospitals.

According to Anwar, the election of capable and responsible leaders is a crucial factor in determining whether public welfare is properly protected. He said some groups use racial issues to gain support, but fail to fulfil their responsibilities once they are given power.

The Prime Minister said leaders chosen by the people must remain grounded and committed to public service. For him, political victory should not be treated as a personal privilege, but as a responsibility to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

Anwar also said Pakatan Harapan needs to win in the Johor state election to ensure the state government’s policies are aligned with the Federal Government’s development agenda. He said this alignment is important so that aid distribution, negotiations and the economic benefits of major projects can reach grassroots communities more effectively.

He pointed to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, or JS-SEZ, as one of the major projects negotiated by the Federal Government. Anwar also mentioned the expansion of the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, saying major development projects must ultimately benefit ordinary Johoreans.

Anwar said he was not denying the role of the Johor government in supporting development efforts, but stressed that policy direction at the state level must also change so that economic growth does not only benefit large corporations or selected groups.

He added that state representatives and executive councillors must prioritise ordinary citizens, especially those struggling with cost-of-living pressures, poverty and access to public support.

The message reflects Pakatan Harapan’s attempt to frame the Johor state election around governance, integrity and people-centred development. Instead of focusing only on political rivalry, Anwar positioned the election as a decision about the future direction of the state.

The Prime Minister also urged Johor voters living outside the state to return home and fulfil their responsibility in the state election on July 11. He said every vote is valuable in bringing policy change and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared more fairly.

Anwar’s remarks come as Johor prepares for a politically important state election, with major issues such as development, investment, cost of living, public welfare and federal-state cooperation expected to influence voters.

The JS-SEZ is likely to remain a central campaign issue because of its potential to attract investment, create jobs and strengthen economic ties between Johor and Singapore. However, Anwar’s message suggests that major projects must be matched with policies that directly support local communities.

His call for humble leadership also targets a broader concern among voters: whether elected representatives remain close to the people after winning office.

By stressing integrity and humility, Anwar sought to remind voters that leadership is not only about winning seats, but also about service, accountability and responsibility.

For Pakatan Harapan, the Johor election will be a test of whether its message of reform, governance and federal-state alignment can gain stronger support in the state.

For Johor voters, Anwar said the choice of leaders will determine whether development policies can be implemented in a way that protects ordinary citizens and ensures long-term benefits for future generations.

Anwar’s speech in Muar placed leadership values at the centre of the Johor election campaign. His message to voters was clear: choose leaders who are not arrogant with power, reject divisive politics and support representatives who can protect the welfare of the people.