Mohamad Sabu says PH will continue campaigning as planned despite PAS instructing supporters to vote for BN in the Johor state election.
JOHOR BAHRU: The Pakatan Harapan (PH) election machinery is unfazed by PAS’ directive instructing its supporters to vote for Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in seats the party is not contesting in the Johor state election, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said.
He said PH would continue campaigning as planned and would not be distracted by any provocation or strategy employed by its opponents.
“The PH machinery will continue campaigning as usual despite the directive. We are not intimidated,” he told Bernama after a PH ceramah in Permas Jaya here last night (July 1).
Mohamad, who is also the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said PH’s real strength lies in its multiracial and multi-religious cooperation, which forms the foundation of political stability and serves as the main driver of the country’s economic development.
“The people should not be swayed by racial or religious sentiments, but instead choose candidates based on their capability, track record of service and commitment to upholding justice,” he said.
He therefore urged Johor voters to give PH the mandate to ensure administrative alignment between the state and federal governments.
He said such alignment was crucial to facilitate the implementation of strategic projects in Johor, including the transformation of the public transport system, improvements to facilities at international entry points and the attraction of investments.
Meanwhile, DAP strategic director Liew Chin Tong said voter turnout, particularly among the younger generation, would be the deciding factor in shaping the outcome of this state election.
Liew, who is also Deputy Finance Minister, said the 2022 Johor state election showed that low voter turnout had benefited BN, compounded by the inability of many Johor voters working in Singapore to return home to vote due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
He also said the second phase of campaigning should not focus solely on political rivalry, but instead place greater emphasis on policy proposals that could improve the people’s well-being.
He said among the issues that should be prioritised were creating more high-quality jobs with competitive salaries so that young Johoreans would no longer have to seek employment in the neighbouring country.
“Issues such as public transport, floods, the maintenance of drainage systems and rivers, preparations for an ageing population, and childcare facilities should also be among the state government’s top priorities,” he said.
He said close cooperation between the federal government and the state government was essential to accelerate the implementation of development initiatives, including the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), thereby creating more high-quality job opportunities in the state.
PH and BN are contesting all 56 seats in the state election. Polling is on July 11, with early voting scheduled for July 7.
For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/.
