Johor bahru: Pakatan Harapan (PH) is taking a cautious approach in facing contests in the 23 constituencies where Perikatan Nasional (PN) is not fielding candidates in the Johor state election. DAP Strategic Director Liew Chin Tong said one of the key concerns is whether PN supporters may transfer their votes to other parties, potentially influencing the outcome in closely contested constituencies. The Deputy Finance Minister noted that such a scenario could pose a challenge to PH candidates, particularly those representing DAP, in securing victories in those seats.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Liew emphasized the importance of vigilance, diligent campaigning, and offering new ideas to gain voters' trust. As every election presents risks and possibilities that may not be anticipated, PH is keenly observing the potential vote transfer from PN supporters to other parties.

Commenting on PH's broader strategy for the Johor state election, Liew, who is also the incumbent for the Perling state seat, said the coalition had fielded a line-up of young and credible candidates considered best suited for each constituency. He explained his decision not to defend the Perling seat, which he won in the 2022 Johor election, aligns with DAP's principle of discouraging elected representatives from holding positions at both parliamentary and state assembly levels simultaneously.

Liew has passed the candidacy in Perling to former Senai assemblyman Alan Tee Boon Tsong. The Perling seat, which has 109,992 registered voters, will see a three-cornered contest involving Tee, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate P. Pannir Selvam, and Boo Wei Han from Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama).

Polling for the Johor state election is set for July 11, with early voting scheduled for July 7.