Harapan, Muda discuss pact for upcoming Johor polls

Pakatan Harapan has engaged the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) in discussions about a potential pact for the upcoming Johor election.

Johor Harapan chairperson Aminolhuda Hassan (above) said both sides also discussed seat allocation although they were of the opinion that there was no need for a state election to be held at this juncture. However, they were prepared for that eventuality.

“Our stand is that elections are unnecessary as Malaysians are still dealing with the Covid-19 threat, floods and economic pressures,” he told Bernama today.

On Harapan's preparations for elections, the Parit Yaani assemblyperson said they would rely on the previous Harapan-led state government’s good track record of 22 months.

“We have a good track record of 22 months administrating the state.

"Therefore, we hope citizens, especially Johor voters, can evaluate our performance including the free water assistance, the B40 health card and the senior citizens’ takaful card,” he added.

Bread-and-butter issues, big tent concept

Johor PKR deputy chairperson Jimmy Puah Wee Tse said that the Johor election would be a different situation compared to the previous state elections in Malacca and Sarawak.

“We will prioritise local candidates with the possibility of adding more youth and women candidates in the election, but our focus will be on bread-and-butter issues for Johorians, especially the rising prices of goods that will be the focus issue for citizens,” the Bukit Batu assemblyperson added.

Johor Amanah deputy chairperson Dzulkefly Ahmad meanwhile said the opposition bloc needed to have an understanding under the big tent concept to avoid any infighting.

The BN-led government holds 28 seats with Umno's 14 seats, MIC (two), Bersatu (11) and PAS (one) while Harapan has 27 seats, DAP (14), PKR (seven) and Amanah (six).

Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar today consented to the dissolution of the state legislative assembly to pave the way for the state election.

- Bernama