Pahang voters judge leaders on performance and stability, with long-term delivery outweighing political bravado: Backbenchers Club chairman
KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional’s confidence in capturing Pahang is “political noise”, not a reflection of reality, said Paya Besar MP Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah.
Voters, he stressed, value stability, performance and long-term delivery above political rhetoric.
In an exclusive interview with theSun, Mohd Shahar, who also heads the Paya Besar Umno division, dismissed recent PN claims of impending victory in the state.
“In politics, anyone can make predictions. That’s normal. But predictions don’t win polls.
“What matters is not the volume of the claims, it is the substance behind them,” he said.
The MP, a former deputy minister of Finance and chairman of the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BBC), said his perspective is grounded in daily engagement with communities.
“As someone who is on the ground every week, meeting families, community leaders, youth and local businesses, I can tell you this confidently – the people of Pahang judge based on performance, stability and delivery, not slogans.”
Mohd Shahar said voters are seeking leaders who deliver tangible improvements, not political drama.
“People want calm leadership, not constant politicking. They want to see flood mitigation progress, balanced regional development, youth opportunities and cost-of-living support. That is what the current government has been providing.”
Highlighting the progress made under federal-state cooperation, he said: “From infrastructure upgrades to rural connectivity, from economic corridors to social assistance, Pahang has seen steady improvements. These are not talking points, they are results people can see. At the end of the day, results win elections.”
The MP pointed out that PN’s public confidence is not a guarantee of votes.
“Anyone can claim they are confident of winning. But in Pahang, trust must be earned through decades of service, proven delivery and genuine connection with the rakyat. That trust is not easily shaken.”
He also emphasised the importance of political maturity among voters, especially in a state where citizens have experienced multiple political cycles.
“Pahang voters appreciate stability. They understand that steady and stable leadership through the Unity government is crucial to safeguard livelihoods and long-term growth.”
Mohd Shahar stressed that BN leaders remain focused on governance rather than political theatrics.
“We are focused on serving the people of Pahang, delivering results and ensuring stability because that is what voters value most. When the time comes, I believe the rakyat will choose continuity, performance and responsible leadership.”
Currently, BN and PH collectively hold 25 state seats in Pahang, while PN has 17. PN has also expressed confidence in forming state governments in Perak and Selangor, while continuing to govern four northern and eastern states collectively known as SG4. These states have pooled resources for mutual development through SG4 Group Sdn Bhd, a joint venture aimed at boosting regional growth and economic cooperation.
With voters increasingly prioritising stability and delivery over empty slogans, Mohd Shahar said the outcome in Pahang will ultimately reflect performance on the ground, not political bravado.
“At the end of the day, Malaysians choose leaders who can deliver, not those who only promise.”
