PH had no clear strategy for Johor polls, ex-Amanah MP says

 Hanipa Maidin says the coalition relied heavily on outdated campaign models, like organising massive ceramahs.

Former Sepang MP Hanipa Maidin said PH failed to counter the narrative of alleged ‘unfulfilled promises’ and that proved damaging.

PETALING JAYA:

Pakatan Harapan, which only managed to win eight out of the 56 seats it contested at yesterday’s Johor election, had no clear strategy for the polls, particularly across social media, a former Amanah MP said.

In a statement, Hanipa Maidin said the execution of PH’s campaign appeared haphazard and devoid of a cohesive strategic plan.

The coalition, he added, also seemingly allowed almost anyone to campaign for it, including people whose public image could have hurt the coalition. Hanipa, however, did not identify anyone in particular.

“The sole qualification seemed to be the ability to deliver a speech,” the former Sepang MP said, adding that an election “is not a debate stage for politicians to win arguments”.

Hanipa also chided PH for relying heavily on outdated campaign models, including large-scale ceramahs, which often attracted “political tourists” rather than actual local voters.

He said such events looked impressive as they were attended by many people eager to listen to popular leaders and snap selfies.

“But it ultimately created a ‘syok sendiri’ (delusional) campaign that masked a lack of genuine, on-the-ground support,” he added.

Another weak point, according to Hanipa, was that PH failed to counter the narrative of alleged “unfulfilled promises” and that proved damaging.

He also praised Barisan Nasional – which won 48 of the 56 seats it vied for – for strategically positioning its Johor chairman Onn Hafiz Ghazi as their “poster boy” to maximise his immense local popularity.

“It worked flawlessly.” - FMT