Johor bahru: Pakatan Harapan (PH) Communications director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has asserted that the coalition's 'Johor for All' manifesto was launched at an opportune moment after gaining approval from the coalition's top leadership.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi, who also serves as Communications Minister, responded to former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming's concerns that the delayed manifesto launch might hinder PH's campaign. Fahmi emphasized that the manifesto's launch occurred only after its content was thoroughly reviewed and endorsed by the coalition's senior figures, including the Prime Minister.
Fahmi explained that the manifesto was introduced at the start of the second week of campaigning, aligning with the presentation of candidates and manifestos by both sides. He dismissed concerns about the timing, stating it was not problematic. This comment came during a meet-the-people event at Kampung Istana.
Fahmi also addressed Ong's prediction of a Barisan Nasional (BN) landslide victory, citing PH's perceived campaign weaknesses, such as the absence of a strong narrative, a menteri besar candidate, senior leaders contesting, and the delayed manifesto launch.
Additionally, Fahmi countered former UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin's claim that the PH manifesto mirrored BN's, suggesting Khairy was campaigning more actively than Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. Fahmi humorously suggested that Onn Hafiz could benefit from Khairy's campaign enthusiasm.
Despite ongoing issues involving DAP, including social media allegations about a party leader's support for a pardon for a former prime minister, Fahmi expressed confidence in PH's campaign momentum. He cited robust grassroots support witnessed at various campaign events.
Fahmi referenced DAP's candidate for the Bentayan state seat, Ng Yak Howe, affirming that statements like those from former Skudai assemblyman Marina Ibrahim had not impacted PH's campaign. Marina had previously criticized DAP leaders over the pardon issue, resulting in her political retirement.