Cordial Ties Between Federal And State Governments Important For Development

JOHOR BAHARU, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said cordial relations between the federal and state governments is crucial for national economic development.

He said Iskandar Malaysia was the best example where the cordial relations between the federal government and the Johor state government had benefited both parties.

"Iskandar Malaysia had so far attracted accumulated investments valued at RM131 billion of which 45 per cent had been realised.

"This is the result of the close relationship that had been established between the federal and state governments. Following infrastructural expenditure of RM8 billion, we managed to attract RM131 billion in investments with 554,000 job opportunities being created since 2006 until today," he said.

He said this in his speech at the dinner, 'Bingkisan Medini' and the official closing of the Annual Programme of the Malaysian BN Elected Representatives Wives 2013/2014, here Saturday night.

The dinner, held at the residence of the Johor Menteri Besar, was also attended by the president of the Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers Charitable Organisation (Bakti), who is also the prime minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman.

Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin and wife, Datin Seri Rosni Omar in her capacity as president of the Welfare Organisation of the Wives of Johor State Assemblymen (Juita).

Meanwhile, Najib said that the wives formed the pillar of strength for the BN elected representatives and they played a role as the antidote to their emotions and sentiments.

"There are many who support us intellectually, but the antidote to our feelings and emotions, who support and understand us so that we can become effective elected representatives are our wives.

"If you (elected representatives) are a happy and satisfied individual, then you will be happy to serve the rakyat," he said.

Meanwhile in her speech, Rosmah said that the annual championship programme had succeeded in achieving its objectives especially in forming a consensus and instilling cordial sentiments.

She also praised the quality of the championship which had improved each year.

The four-day championship was participated by 560 competitors from 14 contingents who competed in badminton and bowling.