TANGKAK: Johoreans have been urged to avoid “playing politics” which could cause disunity in these trying economic times.
Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said everyone must focus on improving the economy and ensuring stability.
“We are facing hard times due to the global economic recession.
“We have to look for ways to increase investment and expand the industrial sector to curb unemployment,” he said at the Johor Gerakan Chinese New Year dinner on Friday.
Abdul Ghani, accompanied by Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, said he feared unemployment could reach more than 6% next year from 3%, causing 600,000 workers in the country to be jobless.
He said the country had been hit by political turmoil since the general election in March last year leading to the crisis in Perak.
Dr Koh hoped that the political turmoil would recede and the country would be peaceful for everyone to focus on economic growth.
“This is a responsibility of all leaders, including those in Pakatan Rakyat, to ensure that the country’s economic strength continues to grow,” he added.
Later, Johor Gerakan chairman Datuk Teo Kok Chee presented Abdul Ghani and his wife Datin Paduka Jamilah Ariffin with flowers to mark their 34th wedding anniversary.
The couple showed their appreciation by singing a few songs.
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