BN-Pakatan cooperation remains intact despite Johor campaign heat, says Zahid

KOTA TINGGI, July 4 — Barisan Nasional (BN) enjoys a very good relationship with Pakatan Harapan (PH) at the federal level, with cooperation between the two political coalitions remaining strong despite the heat of the Johor state election campaign.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed that the leadership of both BN and PH has consistently demonstrated professionalism and political maturity, placing the national agenda above all other considerations.

“Cooperation between BN and PH is very good. Let me confirm that it is indeed very good, and we remain highly professional.

“We distinguish between national issues, which we must address together as members of the Cabinet, and issues at the state level, for example,” he said after officiating the RISDA Agro Majestic event in Bandar Tenggara today.

Commenting on the current Johor state election campaign, Ahmad Zahid said both political coalitions remain committed to preserving harmony within the Unity Government by adopting a mature approach to election campaigning.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said the political strategies of both sides are based on healthy competition without resorting to excessive provocation.

“Among the approaches we have adopted is that we do not attack one another, even though we are contesting in the same arena, particularly in Johor. The same approach will apply in Negeri Sembilan, but we will not attack below the belt.

“If anyone from either side slips up, we should de-escalate the situation. Most importantly, democracy must be upheld and practised in the best possible manner,” he said.

He said the winning formula in today’s political landscape no longer depends on a party’s ability to attack or discredit its opponents. Instead, voters assess the quality and merits of the candidates put forward.

He cited as examples the healthy competition among candidates with professional backgrounds, including in the medical field, as well as former ministers.

“We should promote our respective candidates, such as Dr Naqib Ghazali in Panti and Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba in Pasir Raja, who is a medical specialist and a former health minister. These are the candidates we should be promoting, rather than attacking other parties or their candidates,” he said.

A total of 172 candidates have been confirmed to contest the Johor state election, which is scheduled to be held on July 11, while early voting has been set for July 7.

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