Johor bahru: The Pakatan Harapan (PH) election machinery remains undeterred by the recent directive from PAS, which instructs its supporters to vote for Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in constituencies where the party is not contesting during the Johor state election, as stated by Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad Sabu emphasized that PH will proceed with its campaign plans without being influenced by any provocation or strategic maneuvers from opponents. "The PH machinery will continue campaigning as usual despite the directive. We are not intimidated," he asserted during a PH ceramah in Permas Jaya.
Mohamad, who also serves as the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted that PH's core strength is its multiracial and multi-religious collaboration, which underpins political stability and propels the nation's economic growth. He urged voters to prioritize candidates' capabilities, service track records, and justice commitment over racial or religious sentiments.
He also called on Johor voters to support PH for better alignment between the state and federal administrations, which he deemed essential for the implementation of strategic projects in Johor. These include public transport system improvements, enhanced international entry facilities, and increased investment attraction.
Meanwhile, DAP strategic director Liew Chin Tong pointed out that voter turnout, especially among younger voters, will be critical in determining the election outcome. Liew, also the Deputy Finance Minister, noted that low voter turnout in the 2022 Johor state election favored BN, exacerbated by COVID-19 travel restrictions that limited Johor voters working in Singapore from returning to vote.
Liew advocated for the second phase of campaigning to focus more on policy proposals that enhance public welfare rather than political rivalry. He emphasized addressing issues such as high-quality job creation, public transport, flood management, ageing population preparations, and childcare facilities as priorities for the state government.
He also stressed the importance of close collaboration between federal and state governments to expedite development initiatives, including the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which could generate more high-quality job opportunities in Johor.
Both PH and BN are contesting all 56 seats in the upcoming state election, with polling scheduled for July 11 and early voting on July 7.