Johor Pakatan Harapan leaders have criticised Umno for triggering state assembly elections, saying it was a ploy to take advantage of the current situation when it is difficult for voters to return to the state.
"Johor Pakatan Harapan remains of the view that this is not the right time for elections. When the covid virus and the Omicron strain, flood disasters, economic issues and other situations are still ongoing.
"We see the action of triggering the state assembly elections as a ploy by Umno to take advantage at a time when many people in the state are facing difficulties to return to vote.
"That is why Johor Harapan as the largest opposition bloc in the State Assembly has given its cooperation so that the government administration runs smoothly.
"The remaining term of the administration is about a year away. Why not wait until health and economic conditions are more stable?" said Johor Harapan leaders Aminolhuda Hassan (Amanah), Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (PKR) and Liew Chin Tong (DAP) in a joint statement.
" We are also quite confident that to focus on health and the economy is the concern, desire and conscience of ordinary people at this time.
"Even the implementation of state elections which will cost at least RM150 million is a waste of people's money.
"Unfortunately, Umno does not empathize with the people who are in a difficult situation," they added.
The Johor state assembly was dissolved yesterday, paving the way for the third snap state election since 2020. The Umno-led government has a narrow majority of 28 seats to 27 following the death of former mentri besar Osman Sapian last month.
Nonetheless, within the government of Hasni Mohammad, the breakdown is Umno (14 seats), MIC (two), Bersatu (11) and PAS (one). If BN and PN compete as separate coalitions as they did in Malacca, it could deliver a handsome win to Umno.
The Harapan leaders said that to call such an election was opportunistic and irresponsible.
"This is a forced election and takes advantage of the challenges facing the people. Regardless, Johor Harapan will take all necessary steps to prepare for this situation," they said.
To that end, Aminoldua said yesterday that Harapan has engaged the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) in discussions about a potential pact for the elections.
Aminolhuda, who is also Parit Yaani assemblyman, said they would rely on the Harapan-led state government’s good track record of 22 months.
Previously, snap state elections were held in Sabah and Malacca after defections collapsed the respective state governments.
A state election was also held in Sarawak whose term had expired last year. - Mkini
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