Johor bahru: Claims that election manifestos are merely "copy-paste" documents should not arise, said DAP deputy secretary-general Hannah Yeoh. The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) emphasized that similarities in the manifestos offered by contesting parties reflect the people's issues that need to be addressed.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hannah Yeoh explained that welfare and housing are critical issues that almost every party addresses, as these are the people's primary concerns. She questioned why the similarity in manifestos should be criticized when it benefits the public. Yeoh made these remarks after attending the "Chit Chat Wanita" program and the launch of the "Offer for Tiram" initiative.

Hannah's comments were a response to claims by certain quarters that Pakatan Harapan's (PH) manifesto for the 16th Johor state election was a "copy-paste" of the Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto.

On the topic of candidates' profiles, Hannah highlighted DAP's commitment to empowering women by fielding eight female candidates among the party's 17 candidates. She stated that women candidates have the potential to become policymakers and are capable of taking on major portfolios, possibly even serving as Menteri Besar if given the mandate.

Hannah praised Tiram candidate Nor Zulaila Abd Ghani as an example, noting her 12 years of administrative experience at the local authority, state, and federal levels. She noted that candidates like Nor Zulaila, who comes from a diverse background, challenge stereotypes and can help address racial issues. Nor Zulaila is contesting in a four-cornered race against candidates from BN, Parti Bersama Malaysia, and Perikatan Nasional.

PH is contesting all 56 seats in the state election, with polling scheduled for July 11 and early voting on July 7.