For Chinese in Johor, economy determines vote

 One voter says the economy is on the right track and attributes this to the PH-led unity government.

Chinese voters in Johor, who make up about 36% of the state’s electorate, are likely to have an eye on the economy as they go to the polls this Saturday.

JOHOR BAHRU:

For the Chinese electorate here, the economy will help them decide who they vote for in the state election on July 11.

As it stands, the community, which comprises about 36% of Johor’s 2.7 million electorate, is likely to back Pakatan Harapan (PH).

A businessman who wanted to be known as William said the economy was on the right track, attributing this to the PH-led unity government.

“Anwar (Ibrahim) is bringing more investment into Johor,” he told FMT, referring to the prime minister.

“When more factories open, there will be more jobs. Good for us,” he said, adding that many foreign companies were setting up factories in Skudai.

In March, it was reported that Johor recorded RM110 billion in approved investments in 2025, the highest amount among all states.

Another voter who wanted to be known as John said he would back PH at the state polls but hoped that the coalition would do more to help parents cope with rising education costs.

The 65-year-old has a child studying in Kuala Lumpur and another studying law in Johor.

“I hope the government can provide more assistance to help parents pay college fees,” he said.

Bad timing for ‘crowded’ race

A businessman who asked to be known as Lee said the snap state election had come at the wrong time, in view of the Iran war.

Lee said businesses were wary of the impact of the Middle East conflict, and that the war had already led to soaring energy prices which could lead to consumers paying more for goods and services.

“They should have waited until spending power improved because the small and medium enterprises need more stability (after the impact of the war),” he said.

Several voters who spoke to FMT also complained about the crowded contest. Apart from PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) which are contesting all 56 seats, the election also features candidates from Perikatan Nasional, Muda and Bersama, as well as independents.

They said this made it difficult for them to decide who deserved their vote.

A retired solicitor, who declined to be named, said the number of parties contesting the election had left him confused.

“There hasn’t been enough time to understand the candidates,” he said, adding that he was still unfamiliar with Bersama, the party led by Rafizi Ramli.

Wet market trader Alan Tan, 54, said he wanted candidates to spend more time listening to traders instead of making quick campaign stops.

“I am not voting (in this election),” he added.

Older Malay voters still with BN

Hassan Che Mat.

Meanwhile, for many older Malay voters, support for BN remained largely unchanged.

Hassan Che Mat, a retired navy personnel, said he voted for BN in the past because harmony mattered more than politics.

Retired civil servant Senian Ahmad, 71, said BN should continue developing Johor while tackling floods and creating more jobs for young people.

Senian Ahmad.

A 19-year-old student who wanted to be identified as Alia said younger voters were looking at different issues.

“Older Malays may want stability and progress, but younger people want something fresh,” she said, citing climate issues, the impact of data centres and sustainability as topics younger voters were interested in.

Another 19-year-old voter who asked to be known as Fatin said she would vote for Bersama in Kempas.

“I want to know what the new, smaller parties have to offer. Let’s put them to test,” she said. - FMT