Harapan blames PN voter shift for defeat, says Johor polls not referendum on Anwar

 

JOHOR POLLS | Pakatan Harapan has blamed a shift of Perikatan Nasional supporters to BN as one of the key factors behind its crushing defeat in the Johor election.

Amanah communications director Khalid Abdul Samad said an "unpredicted switch" saw PAS and Bersatu supporters cast their ballots for BN candidates instead, to Harapan's detriment.

"The problem for us was that PN, specifically Bersatu, has almost completely lost its followers, with Bersatu supporters - and some of PAS' - voting for BN candidates.

"As a result, we lost - not because support for us has gone down, but due to this 'swing' leading to increased votes for BN (following) conditions with Bersatu and PAS," the former federal territories minister added.

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He said this when addressing a press conference at the coalition's base in Pulai Springs Resort, where leaders and supporters had gathered to witness the polls' unofficial results.

Also present were Amanah vice-presidents Mujahid Yusof Rawa and Hatta Ramli, as well as PKR election director Amirudin Shari.

From left: Amanah communications director Khalid Abdul Samad, Amanah vice-president Mujahid Yusof Rawa, PKR election director Amirudin Shari and Amanah vice-president Hatta Ramli

Thorough post-mortem needed

Commenting on the "shocking" results, Amirudin stressed that further analysis is needed to establish what Harapan's "real problem" was throughout the election.

Asked whether the Johor outcome could foreshadow the next general election, Amirudin said Harapan would review its strategy.

"Many things can happen (before the general election). Our war room will have to rethink our strategy, including how we approach voters," the Selangor menteri besar added.

Khalid further affirmed that Harapan's dismal performance at the state election should not be interpreted as a sign of a lack of support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Harapan chairperson and PKR president.

PM Anwar Ibrahim

"The factors linked to (incumbent menteri besar) Onn Hafiz Ghazi and BN's formulas have to be considered as well.

"When you have a general election, the main thing is who is the prime minister at the moment (and) who has the best selection for the prime minister (position) - it's quite different, you cannot generalise what happens at a state and general elections," he said.

Based on unofficial results, BN retained control of Johor by winning 48 seats - eight more than it won in the last state election in March 2022.

Harapan managed to secure just eight seats, down from the 12 it held in the last state assembly.

PN was wiped out in all three seats it once held. - Mkini