Johor polls: Zahid pledges ‘mature politics’, says BN won’t attack rivals

PONTIAN, June 27 — BN will adopt a ‘mature politics’ approach by refraining from attacking, criticising or disparaging its rivals throughout the campaign for the 16th Johor state election.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the approach is important to preserve political harmony, while allowing the coalition’s campaign machinery to focus on promoting the strengths of its candidates courteously and constructively.

“We have reached an understanding that we will not attack our opponents, despite our differences in views and opinions on Johor. We must look at the bigger picture at the national level,” he told a press conference after launching the Benut state seat’s ‘Gelombang Biru’ campaign in Kampung Parit Ismail here today.

The event was also attended by BN’s Benut candidate Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also UMNO president, said while BN aims to increase its seat tally, success would depend on the ability of its campaign machinery, including the media, social media and grassroots workers, to respond effectively to issues raised by the opposition.

“It depends on how our machinery, whether in the media, social media or on the ground, responds to issues raised by the opposition in each state constituency,” he said.

BN is contesting all 56 DUN seats in the election, fielding 37 UMNO candidates, 15 from MCA and four from MIC.

In the 2022 Johor state election, BN secured a two-thirds majority after winning 40 of the 56 DUN seats to form the state government.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid urged party leaders and members who were not selected as candidates to remain loyal and continue working towards securing a convincing victory for BN.

He also dismissed claims that BN planned to give up seats to other parties, stressing that the coalition remains committed to contesting the election on its own under the Barisan Nasional logo.

The Johor state election will be held on July 11, with early voting on July 7.

For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/. — Bernama