The Chinese community in the state have been advised to be wise when electing the government and continue to support Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties.

Johor Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the support of the community was crucial in ensuring the state government’s commitment to achieving the New Johor Decade materialised.

He said the strong inter-racial unity through the Muafakat Bangsa Johor concept was one of the key elements in the state’s efforts to become the most developed state in the future.

“In the Chinese calendar, this is the year of the dog, and this represents the unique qualities of the animal, intelligence and loyalty.

“So the community is advised to be smart in electing the government and not be easily duped by the accusations made by certain parties,” he said.

Mohamed Khaled was speaking at the Chinese New Year celebration organised by the Johor Bahru Chinese Federation in Johor Bahru today, which was also attended by Pulai Member of Parliament Nur Jazlan Mohamed and president of the federation Tey Kim Chai.

Mohamed Khaled also announced an allocation of RM300,000 from the Johor government to the federation for its programmes.

“The state government is always concerned about the needs of the people and we are ready to provide assistance, including to the Chinese community.

“I also urge the Chinese people in the state as part of 'Team Johor' to be strong in ensuring that the Developed Johor Cluster is implemented so that Johor will become the best state in Malaysia now and in the future,” he said.

- Bernama