Johari urges Negri Sembilan voters to focus on choosing capable leaders

 

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has urged Negri Sembilan voters to focus on choosing capable leaders instead of allowing unrelated political issues to influence their decision. - NSTP/ASWADI ALIAS

KUALA PILAH: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has urged Negri Sembilan voters to focus on choosing capable leaders instead of allowing unrelated political issues to influence their decision.

He said elections often saw matters with little relevance being revived to discredit Barisan Nasional (BN).

He said various allegations, particularly those involving scandals, were frequently raised against BN during election campaigns.

However, the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister stressed that voters should instead evaluate candidates based on their ability to serve the people and administer the state.

"In politics, whenever elections come around, all sorts of issues (against BN) that have nothing to do with the election will suddenly be brought up because of politics. Voters must look at what the real issues are.

"We are electing leaders to represent us and to form the Negri Sembilan government.

"The question is whether the candidate is capable of taking care of the people and serving the constituency consistently," he said during a breakfast programme with BN's Seri Menanti candidate Sufian Maradzi.

Johari described Sufian as a grassroots leader with a strong service record, saying he would have no hesitation recommending him for a state executive council position if BN retained the Negri Sembilan government.

He also defended BN against persistent attacks over corruption issues, insisting that the coalition had never protected leaders found guilty of wrongdoing.

"People keep raising the issue of scandals against BN. But whenever any of our leaders are involved in wrongdoing, action is taken.

"We have taken action against former menteri besar, former state executive councillors, former ministers and even former prime ministers.

"If the court decides someone is guilty, they face the consequences. The party does not protect anyone," he said.

Johari said BN's willingness to allow the legal process to take its course reflected its commitment to accountability despite having governed the country for decades.

"It does not mean that because of one or two individuals, a party that has contributed to nation-building for more than 60 years should be condemned.

"Throughout our history, BN has continuously produced capable, experienced and younger leaders to replace those who are no longer suitable," he said.

Johari also called on BN campaign machinery to avoid provoking political opponents, reminding them that elections should not divide Malaysians.

He said as the country's majority community, Malays had a responsibility to safeguard the rights and interests of minority communities.

"When we become leaders representing the majority, we must never forget our responsibility to protect minority communities because they are also citizens of this country.

"Only when the country remains peaceful and stable can we continue developing the economy, and when the economy grows, both the majority and minority communities will benefit," he said.

Johari also urged supporters not to be distracted by provocative remarks during the campaign and instead focus on promoting BN's agenda and policies. - NST