JOHOR BARU: The leadership transition in Singapore would not affect or delay any plans between the island republic and Johor, says Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad.

The Johor Economic, Tourism and Cultural Office (Jetco) chairman said this includes the aim to finalise the full-fledged agreement of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by this year.

"The Prime Ministers of both countries have agreed to finalise the SEZ agreement during the Singapore-Malaysia Leaders Retreat in September.

“However, as we know, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be handing over power to his successor Lawrence Wong this month.

“At the state level, we do not see this as something that would change plans for the SEZ, including the expected date for the agreement to be signed,” he told reporters when met at the Pulai Umno division Hari Raya open house on Wednesday (May 8) night.

He added that His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has also stressed the importance of a close relationship between Johor and Singapore during the King’s recent visit to the island republic on Monday (May 6) and Tuesday (May 7).

“His Majesty has touched on many issues during his recent visit to Singapore. This includes the importance of maintaining close cooperation between Johor and Singapore.

“I believe the SEZ is among efforts that could further strengthen the relationship between Johor and Singapore,” said Hasni, who is a former Johor Mentri Besar.

In January, Malaysia and Singapore signed an MOU for SEZ. This came two months after the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat, in which Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Lee announced that they had agreed to jointly develop the SEZ.

Last month, Lee announced that he would hand over power to Wong, who is currently Singapore's deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister.

Wong, 51, who has been the prime minister-in-waiting since 2022, is expected to be sworn in on May 15.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/09/leadership-transition-in-singapore-not-expected-to-impact-johor