Shahrir Tells Azmin Tg Piai Already In Iskandar Malaysia Economic Corridor

---

(The Star) – Johor Baru Umno chief Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad (pic) has told Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali that Tanjung Piai is already in the Iskandar Malaysia economic corridor
The former Johor Baru MP said this shows Azmin does not understand Iskandar Malaysia and questioned whether the latter’s statement was politically motivated
“In terms of government, we must accept the fact and make use the advice given by government officers around as they have the data and experience
“As a minister, using outside advisors or even special officers and turned his back on civil servants, will be a waste as they be making a policy that already existed during Barisan Nasional time,” he added
Shahrir, who previously sat on the Iskandar Malaysia advisory council, said this when met after a Barisan ceramah, which was also attended by Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin, here on Sunday (Nov 10) night
He stressed that both Tanjung Piai and Pontian were included under the Iskandar Malaysia economic corridor
It was reported that the government has plans to create another new economic corridor in Johor
Azmin had said the proposed new economic corridor will be deliberated by his ministry and it will be tabled to the Economic Action Council (EAC) chaired by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad
“Because this is a long-term plan that isn’t merely five or 10 years long,” he added
According to Azmin, his ministry was briefed about the planned economic corridor for the southern state on Saturday (Nov 9), and development could be executed as early as next year
“I believe that with the Prime Minister’s commitment and the present leadership, the new economic corridor could be implemented beginning next year,” he told reporters when met after a ceramah held at Kampung Sawah Sunday (Nov 10)
According to Azmin, a new development “nuclei” will be created to develop small towns from Bandar Malaysia to Johor
“As I mentioned earlier, we don’t want development to be only focussed on the Klang Valley or big cities
“Small districts like Tanjung Piai must receive attention from the government for development,” he said
Azmin also said the government is currently in discussions to decide which small towns would be included in the new economic corridor
“We want interior areas to be given attention and the amount of towns that will be developed is still under consideration, where Tanjung Piai is not excluded
“The specifics (of towns to be developed) is still subject to discussions at the federal level,” he added
At the same time, Azmin said the government had made continuous efforts to ensure that it has plans for development

---