Johor bahru: The 16th Johor State Election is being emphasized as a pivotal opportunity for residents to elect leadership that can secure a brighter future for the state, rather than a referendum on any single individual, according to Pakatan Harapan (PH) Communications Director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi, addressing narratives linking a possible Barisan Nasional (BN) victory to support for a former prime minister as surprising, stated that such discussions should act as a catalyst for voter awareness.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi articulated, "We do not cast our votes over personal matters. This election is about the people of Johor and the state's future. I am concerned by such statements, and I believe many voters understand what is truly at stake." These comments were made during a session with Kampung Istana residents, attended by Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and PH candidate for the Penggaram state seat, Felicia Poh Rui Ling.
Fahmi was reacting to Datuk Nazifuddin Mohd Najib's remarks that a BN win in Johor would symbolize public support for a pardon for his father, Datuk Seri Najib Razak. On the issue of non-Malay voter support, Fahmi emphasized that no political party should see public backing as a given. "We cannot take voters for granted. Public support must be earned, maintained, and continuously strengthened. I believe many Malaysians aspire to see something better," he remarked, noting the election's broader implications for both state and national futures.
Additionally, Fahmi highlighted the backing from figures traditionally aligned with opposition parties as a sign of PH's increasing appeal. He mentioned former Rengit assemblyman Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi's support for PH, suggesting a shift in political dynamics. "Johor UMNO may once have regarded the state as its 'fixed deposit', but Datuk Puad Zarkashi's statement indicates that such support can no longer be taken for granted," he noted.
The support from Bersatu members for the PH candidate in Sri Medan, Hishamuddin @ Misrin Ishak, further illustrates PH's expanded appeal. "When Datuk Puad Zarkashi publicly supported the PH candidate in Rengit, following earlier support from Bersatu members for our candidate in Sri Medan, it is possible that more similar endorsements will emerge in the days ahead," Fahmi stated, linking this trend to growing confidence in the Prime Minister's leadership and economic recovery initiatives.
The upcoming Johor state election will see 172 candidates vying for 56 seats, with polling scheduled for July 11 and early voting set for July 7.