TANGKAK, Malaysia: The Tanjung Pelepas Port and Senai Airport will help boost Johor's economy during the current economic slowdown.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said the port and airport would continue to generate economic growth for the state.

Speaking to thousands of residents here last night, he said that as Transport Minister, he would do "whatever it takes" to ensure the two facilities continue to develop.

"In view of the current global recession, we have to work harder and be prepared to face the challenges. However, with our commitment, unity and love for the nation, we will be able to overcome the economic slowdown," he said at the Johor MCA Chinese New Year celebration here.

Ong, who was accompanied by deputy MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, former vice-president Datuk Chua Jui Meng, Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and other state leaders, said the party would play its role to overcome the slowdown.

He said the party had been working hand-in-hand with other Barisan Nasional component parties since its formation.

For 60 years, the Chinese in MCA and Malays in Umno had been together through good and bad times, he said, adding that they would continue to remain together during trying times.

Meanwhile, Abdul Ghani said the time had come for people from various races to unite and focus on improving the economy.

"Let us join hands and become one team in facing the economic slowdown. We must try to discard any political or personal differences among ourselves and give priority to improving the economy," he added. -The Star/ANN