JOHOR POLLS | Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin has accused Pakatan Harapan of running an “Islamophobic” campaign by warning Johor voters that supporting BN would lead to PAS gaining influence.
Speaking while campaigning for BN candidates in Bukit Batu, Bukit Permai and Senai today, Khairy said BN was contesting the state election on its own and rejected claims linking the coalition to PAS.
“They are claiming there is a ‘Green Wave’, and that voting for BN means getting PAS.
“I see this as a form of campaigning that is rather Islamophobic, especially when such a narrative is coming from ministers.
“Let me make it clear that BN is not in a coalition with anyone. Instead, it will be a ‘blue wave’ that will be created this Saturday,” he said.
Khairy also expressed confidence in BN’s chances in the three constituencies, describing Bukit Batu, where MIC’s R Kumaran is up against Harapan incumbent Arthur Chiong and two others, as one of the coalition’s key targets after it lost the seat by fewer than 200 votes in the previous state election.
Tough fight in Senai
All three constituencies fall under the Kulai Parliament seat held by Johor DAP chief Teo Nie Ching.
In Bukit Permai, BN is fielding incumbent Jafni Shukor who wrested the seat from Bersatu in the last 2022 state election.
Khairy further acknowledged that Senai BN candidate Kiki Tai faced the toughest contest among the three, with BN having lost the seat by more than 5,000 votes previously, but claimed the coalition was seeing stronger support from non-Malay voters this time.
“I know that (caretaker menteri besar) Onn Hafiz Ghazi and BN are counting on strong support from all communities in Johor because we want to strengthen BN as a coalition for everyone,” he said.
‘Absolutely no PAS’
Various Harapan leaders on the campaign trail across Johor have alluded to purported negotiations between Umno and PAS - contesting 11 seats under the Perikatan Nasional banner - to form the state government.
Top Umno and BN leaders have reaffirmed Johor BN chief Onn Hafiz’s stance to form a solo government, while PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang yesterday said his party is prepared to contribute its seats to help Umno secure the menteri besar post.
Separately, Onn Hafiz earlier today reportedly assured Johoreans that PAS would under no circumstances become part of the state government administration.
He reportedly said that if he receives the Johor sultan’s consent to return as the menteri besar, he guarantees that PAS will never enter his state government.
"This is yet another political narrative intentionally designed to confuse the Chinese community," he was quoted as saying by Sin Chew Daily.
Good example for N Sembilan
Asked whether a strong BN showing in Johor could influence the upcoming Negeri Sembilan election, Khairy said a decisive victory would demonstrate the benefits of a government that does not depend on coalition partners.
“I hope that with a big victory in Johor, voters in Negeri Sembilan will become even more confident that having a strong government, one that does not need to form a coalition or seek the goodwill of other parties, allows decisions to be made quickly.
“A clear vision can then be implemented effectively. Johor is an example. A strong and stable BN government means success,” said the former Rembau MP.
Khairy, however, declined to comment when asked if he would contest a Negeri Sembilan state seat, only saying, “later”.
Johor goes to the polls on July 11, while nominations for the Negeri Sembilan polls will be held on July 18 before ballots are cast on Aug 1. - Mkini
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