Johor bahru: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reminded all parties to stop playing up old issues unrelated to Johor during the state election campaign period, to ensure a mature and respectful political contest. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the campaign focus should instead be on candidates' strengths and their offers to the people, noting that some of the contesting parties are also cooperating at the federal government level.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid expressed concern over certain individuals attacking UMNO and BN with outdated issues. He stressed the importance of not highlighting these issues, as the parties are partners at the federal level. He urged all parties to approach the political arena in Johor with wisdom and integrity. "I don't think we need to raise other issues because every week we meet at the Cabinet meeting, and I do not want them to feel awkward when meeting leaders who are their colleagues in the Cabinet," he stated after attending a community program in the Kempas state constituency.
Ahmad Zahid also dismissed claims that BN is overconfident in the upcoming state election, asserting that the party considers itself the underdog, given the changes in the state's political landscape. He acknowledged the need for BN to work hard to improve on its performance of capturing 40 seats in the last state election, especially as more than half of the voters are now young people.
He highlighted the manifesto presented by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, which emphasizes youth needs, including job opportunities and skills development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Noting the unemployment rate has fallen to 2.9 percent, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, described this as a positive sign but stressed the importance of providing young people access to premium-wage jobs through skills training.
"What we are offering in Johor is technical and skills training for young people, with high opportunities being given strong emphasis in the Barisan Nasional manifesto," he said, appealing to young voters in Johor to support BN candidates in the state election, considering the offerings provided for their future.
BN is contesting all 56 seats in the 16th Johor state election, with polling set to be held on July 11, and early voting on July 7.