Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Tunku Mahkota Ismail (TMJ) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening federal–state cooperation following a meeting in Kuala Lumpur. - HRH Crown Prince of Johor Facebook pic, June 22, 2026
Johor–Putrajaya ties stay intact after meeting with TMJ: Anwar
Prime Minister says both leaders stress partnership amid ongoing debate over revenue returns and public development projects
Scoop Reporters
Updated 2 seconds ago
22 June, 2026
6:57 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Tunku Mahkota Ismail (TMJ) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening federal–state cooperation following a meeting in Kuala Lumpur, as debate continues over Johor’s revenue contribution and development allocation.
In a statement, Anwar said the meeting was held in a cordial and harmonious atmosphere, where both leaders exchanged views on matters concerning the welfare and development of Johor.
“I had an audience with His Royal Highness Tunku Mahkota Ismail, Regent of Johor in Kuala Lumpur today in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
“The meeting provided a good platform to exchange views and discuss matters related to the welfare and well-being of the people, particularly in Johor Darul Ta’zim,” Anwar said in a statement.
“We also discussed current developments and the ongoing plans under the MADANI government to drive economic growth and state development.
“Tunku Mahkota Ismail and I also agreed to continue maintaining good relations, as well as strengthening close cooperation between the Federal Government and the Johor state government.”
The meeting comes against the backdrop of ongoing public discussion over federal-state fiscal arrangements and development priorities in Johor.
Separately, the Johor Regent issued a Facebook post accompanied by photographs of the meeting, expressing appreciation to the Prime Minister for his concern over federal–state relations.
“Thank you YAB Prime Minister for your concern regarding the close relationship between the Federal Government and the State Government of Johor for the well-being of the rakyat.” decreed His Royal Highness.
He added that the meeting between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Tunku Mahkota Ismail was held at the Bukit Tunku Palace in Kuala Lumpur on June 22.
Earlier, Tunku Mahkota Ismail had raised concerns over Johor’s revenue contribution and what he described as delays in key development projects, including infrastructure and healthcare facilities.
Speaking in a podcast session, the Regent said Johor contributes more than RM40 billion annually to the Federal Government but receives only around RM2 billion to RM3 billion in return for development spending.
“My friend, the Prime Minister, recently made a statement saying Johor is a wealthy state but has many leakages.
“Yes, there are indeed leakages. It is the Federal Government that is causing Johor to leak.”
“When we contribute more than RM40 billion a year and only RM2 billion to RM3 billion is returned to take care of 4.9 million people in Johor, how does that make sense? It is illogical.”
He said a larger share of revenue generated from Johor should be returned to the state to better support development and public services.
The Regent also pointed to delays in projects such as school repairs, road maintenance, and healthcare upgrades, saying some developments had been slowed by approval processes at federal level.
He further raised concerns over healthcare facilities, including the progress of Hospital Pasir Gudang, staffing shortages, and the pending completion of Hospital Sultanah Aminah II.
Tunku Mahkota Ismail said Hospital Pasir Gudang had previously faced the risk of cancellation before being revived following sustained engagement over several years. However, he noted that the hospital is still operating with limited personnel.
“Who suffers? Is it the people who suffer or those at the top? It is the people who suffer.”
Despite raising concerns, he stressed that his remarks were not intended to strain relations with the Federal Government.
“We do not want to be at odds, confront anyone, or create problems for the government that administers the country.
“But they must take care of us as partners. It is time for the Federal Government to take seriously the lives of the people of Johor, their welfare, and the state’s development.”
In a separate development, PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, criticised the involvement of the Johor royal institution in political narratives ahead of the 16th Johor state election.
Speaking after attending a programme in Johor Bahru, the Human Resources Minister said political contests should be conducted directly between parties without involving other institutions.
“When we want to compete, we must do so with integrity. If you want to fight, you must go to the ground and fight, not ask others to fight for you. You must fight yourself. That is what an honest leader does.”
“Do not ask others to fight for you. I am very disappointed when I see that the royal institution is being used. That is not right,” he said.
Ramanan also expressed concern over online criticism directed at the Johor Regent following recent political discourse, saying such attacks were inappropriate and unrelated to the royal institution’s role.
He added that political disagreements should remain within the political arena and not involve the monarchy. – June 22, 2026
Johor–Putrajaya ties stay intact after meeting with TMJ: Anwar
Prime Minister says both leaders stress partnership amid ongoing debate over revenue returns and public development projects
Scoop Reporters
Updated 2 seconds ago
22 June, 2026
6:57 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Tunku Mahkota Ismail (TMJ) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening federal–state cooperation following a meeting in Kuala Lumpur, as debate continues over Johor’s revenue contribution and development allocation.
In a statement, Anwar said the meeting was held in a cordial and harmonious atmosphere, where both leaders exchanged views on matters concerning the welfare and development of Johor.
“I had an audience with His Royal Highness Tunku Mahkota Ismail, Regent of Johor in Kuala Lumpur today in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
“The meeting provided a good platform to exchange views and discuss matters related to the welfare and well-being of the people, particularly in Johor Darul Ta’zim,” Anwar said in a statement.
“We also discussed current developments and the ongoing plans under the MADANI government to drive economic growth and state development.
“Tunku Mahkota Ismail and I also agreed to continue maintaining good relations, as well as strengthening close cooperation between the Federal Government and the Johor state government.”
The meeting comes against the backdrop of ongoing public discussion over federal-state fiscal arrangements and development priorities in Johor.
Separately, the Johor Regent issued a Facebook post accompanied by photographs of the meeting, expressing appreciation to the Prime Minister for his concern over federal–state relations.
“Thank you YAB Prime Minister for your concern regarding the close relationship between the Federal Government and the State Government of Johor for the well-being of the rakyat.” decreed His Royal Highness.
He added that the meeting between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Tunku Mahkota Ismail was held at the Bukit Tunku Palace in Kuala Lumpur on June 22.
Earlier, Tunku Mahkota Ismail had raised concerns over Johor’s revenue contribution and what he described as delays in key development projects, including infrastructure and healthcare facilities.
Speaking in a podcast session, the Regent said Johor contributes more than RM40 billion annually to the Federal Government but receives only around RM2 billion to RM3 billion in return for development spending.
“My friend, the Prime Minister, recently made a statement saying Johor is a wealthy state but has many leakages.
“Yes, there are indeed leakages. It is the Federal Government that is causing Johor to leak.”
“When we contribute more than RM40 billion a year and only RM2 billion to RM3 billion is returned to take care of 4.9 million people in Johor, how does that make sense? It is illogical.”
He said a larger share of revenue generated from Johor should be returned to the state to better support development and public services.
The Regent also pointed to delays in projects such as school repairs, road maintenance, and healthcare upgrades, saying some developments had been slowed by approval processes at federal level.
He further raised concerns over healthcare facilities, including the progress of Hospital Pasir Gudang, staffing shortages, and the pending completion of Hospital Sultanah Aminah II.
Tunku Mahkota Ismail said Hospital Pasir Gudang had previously faced the risk of cancellation before being revived following sustained engagement over several years. However, he noted that the hospital is still operating with limited personnel.
“Who suffers? Is it the people who suffer or those at the top? It is the people who suffer.”
Despite raising concerns, he stressed that his remarks were not intended to strain relations with the Federal Government.
“We do not want to be at odds, confront anyone, or create problems for the government that administers the country.
“But they must take care of us as partners. It is time for the Federal Government to take seriously the lives of the people of Johor, their welfare, and the state’s development.”
In a separate development, PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, criticised the involvement of the Johor royal institution in political narratives ahead of the 16th Johor state election.
Speaking after attending a programme in Johor Bahru, the Human Resources Minister said political contests should be conducted directly between parties without involving other institutions.
“When we want to compete, we must do so with integrity. If you want to fight, you must go to the ground and fight, not ask others to fight for you. You must fight yourself. That is what an honest leader does.”
“Do not ask others to fight for you. I am very disappointed when I see that the royal institution is being used. That is not right,” he said.
Ramanan also expressed concern over online criticism directed at the Johor Regent following recent political discourse, saying such attacks were inappropriate and unrelated to the royal institution’s role.
He added that political disagreements should remain within the political arena and not involve the monarchy. – June 22, 2026
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