Mature campaigns needed for Johor, Negeri Sembilan polls, says Salleh

 Sabah Umno treasurer says campaigns must be conducted professionally and respectfully, with the focus on state issues, policy proposals, and solutions.

Salleh Said Keruak said the upcoming elections present a unique challenge, with some parties that cooperate at the federal level likely to face off against one another at the state level amid a significantly changed electoral landscape. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

A Sabah Umno leader has urged parties to campaign with maturity and prioritise state issues ahead of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections to win over new voters and the silent majority.

Salleh Said Keruak, the Sabah Umno treasurer, said the upcoming elections presented a unique challenge where some parties that cooperate at the federal level would face off against one another at the state level amid a significantly changed electoral landscape.

“Healthy competition is part of democracy. However, political maturity requires parties to compete on ideas, performance, and leadership while preserving mutual respect and working relationships,” he said in a Facebook post.

FMT previously quoted analysts as saying that personal attacks and mudslinging were likely to remain fixtures of the Johor state election campaign, as such tactics were too effective for parties to abandon.

Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional (BN), and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are expected to contest all 56 seats in the Johor state election. In Negeri Sembilan, BN announced its readiness to go solo in all 36 seats and PH, in response, said it would do the same.

Salleh, a former chief minister, said the pool of hardcore supporters was gradually shrinking, while the silent majority continued to grow.

“Winning their confidence may well determine the outcome of the election.

“Ultimately, elections will not be decided solely by traditional supporters. They will be determined by new voters and the silent majority who are looking for credible leadership, practical solutions, and a genuine commitment to public service.”

He said campaigns must be conducted professionally and respectfully, with the focus on state issues, policy proposals, and solutions rather than personal attacks or attempts to create hostility.

He said voters were increasingly focused on issues that affect their daily lives such as the economy, cost of living, employment opportunities, governance, leadership credibility, and future prospects.

“Political leaders and campaign teams must be careful with their statements. In the age of social media, a single remark can go viral, create unnecessary tensions, and trigger disputes that may outlast the election itself,” said Salleh, a former Usukan assemblyman.

“Voters are also looking for elected representatives who remain present and serve throughout their term, not those who appear only during election campaigns and then disappear,” he added.

The Election Commission is expected to hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state polls. - FMT