Johor bahru: UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has described the decision to hold the Johor state election as timely, noting that there is no "perfect" timing to return the mandate to the people. He emphasized the importance of considering weather constraints and the lengthy festive season, alongside the state's packed annual calendar.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Khaled highlighted that Johor has a limited window for elections this year. By November, December, and January, the state will face the monsoon season and potential floods, especially in areas such as Kota Tinggi. February and March will overlap with the Hari Raya celebrations, a period known for its extended festivities in Johor. These considerations were discussed when Mohamed Khaled commented on the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly.
Speaking at the 'Sembang Santai Bersama Pemandu Kereta Sewa dan Teksi Kota Tinggi' program at the Kota Tinggi Bus and Taxi Terminal, Mohamed Khaled, also the Kota Tinggi MP and Defence Minister, stated that if the current period was deemed most suitable by the state government, the people should be allowed to make their decision. He assured that Barisan Nasional (BN) is prepared for the polls, asserting that its elected representatives have performed excellently and that UMNO has consistently worked to safeguard the welfare of the people.
Addressing concerns about the impact of the Johor state polls on the Unity Government's dynamics at the federal level, Mohamed Khaled affirmed that cooperation among the component parties remains strong and continues as usual. He urged all parties to accept the reality of the changed political landscape in Malaysia, where the dominance of a single political party is no longer prevalent.
In this context, Mohamed Khaled emphasized the need for Malaysians to nurture a mature political culture that embraces cooperation for the country's future. The announcement of the Johor State Legislative Assembly's dissolution by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi sets the stage for the state election to be held within 60 days.