Zahid urges all parties to avoid old, unrelated issues in Johor campaign

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 — Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reminded all parties to stop playing up old issues unrelated to Johor during the state election campaign period, to ensure a mature and respectful political contest.

The Deputy Prime Minister said campaign focus should instead be on candidates’ strengths and their offers to the people, noting that some of the contesting parties are also cooperating at the federal government level.

“Although there are certain individuals who have been attacking Umno and BN with old issues, I hope these issues will not be played up because we are partners at the federal level, and I hope we approach the political arena in Johor with wisdom and in the best possible manner.

“I don’t think we need to raise other issues because every week we meet at the Cabinet meeting, and I do not want them to feel awkward when meeting leaders who are their colleagues in the Cabinet,” he said after attending a community programme in the Kempas state constituency today.

Ahmad Zahid also denied claims that BN is overconfident in facing the state election, saying the party considers itself the underdog, based on changes in the state’s political landscape.

He said BN must work hard to improve on its performance of capturing 40 seats in the last state election, especially as more than half of the voters are now young people.

According to him, the manifesto presented by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi places emphasis on youth needs, including job opportunities and skills development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

Noting that the unemployment rate has fallen to 2.9 per cent, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said this is a positive sign, but young people still need access to premium-wage jobs that can be achieved through skills training.

“What we are offering in Johor is technical and skills training for young people, with high opportunities being given strong emphasis in the Barisan Nasional manifesto,” he said.

He therefore appealed to young voters in Johor to support BN candidates in the state election, taking into account the offerings provided for their future.

BN is contesting all 56 seats in the 16th Johor state election.

Polling 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