Should main Harapan leaders resign over Johor polls debacle? - Felda group

 

Former Persatuan Anak Peneroka Felda Kebangsaan chairperson Mazlan Aliman has questioned whether the main leaders of Pakatan Harapan should resign following the coalition’s abysmal performance in the recent Johor state polls.

In a statement today, Mazlan contended that the political landscape of today has changed drastically from the circumstances of the 14th general election.

“There are no factors in favour of Harapan. The situation is very different from GE14. The low turnout had already been predicted.

“Malay support is almost solid for BN and partly for Perikatan Nasional, while Harapan expects Chinese votes.

“That is why in Malay-majority areas of over 80 percent, Harapan candidates lost badly and many lost their deposits.

“How about GE15 if it is dissolved immediately?” he said.

“The numbers are simple. Harapan will suffer a severe defeat if the unity and solidarity of the opposition parties are not worked on and made successful,” added Mazlan.

Harapan leaders must take responsibility

Further, Mazlan argued that the participation of Bersatu and PAS in the opposition was important as the two parties represented the Malay voters Harapan was unable to capture.

He cited the example of Harapan’s previous victory in 19 seats out of the 56 Felda parliamentary constituencies in GE14, which allowed Harapan to form a government in Putrajaya.

“In GE14, Harapan won 19 seats from 56 Felda parliamentary constituencies, which allowed Harapan to go to Putrajaya. Will Harapan be able to repeat again this time?

“Therefore, Harapan’s leaders must take responsibility for this situation.

“If something fails to be achieved, it may be time for Harapan’s main leader to step down and be replaced by a successor to bring new hope, for the sake of this beloved country,” said Mazlan before adding that the rakyat remains the main priority.

BN won a landslide victory in the Johor polls, winning 40 out of the 56 seats.

PN won three, Harapan took 12 while Muda secured one.

The opposition’s poor showing was in part attributed to the low turnout rate as well as the split among them.

In 35 out of 56 seats, the combined votes of Harapan and PN exceeded BN’s. - Mkini