JOHOR BARU: Johor Amanah has expressed its disappointment over recent statements from Umno, a coalition partner within the unity government, over Amanah's intention to contest 12 to 20 seats in the next state elections.
Johor Amanah deputy chairman Dzulkefly Ahmad said that the decision was made independently, reached after thorough discussion and analysis within the party.
"Our decision does not involve any other party.
"Our position is clear as we prepare for the next state or general elections, whether in alignment with Pakatan Harapan and Umno-Barisan Nasional under the unity government or in anticipation of a three-way contest involving Pakatan, Barisan and Perikatan Nasional," he said in a statement here on Wednesday (Nov 13).
Dzulkefly also questioned the reaction by Umno, noting that Amanah's earlier statement did not mention any specific party.
He pointed out that Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi himself had recently stated that their alliance with Pakatan for the upcoming Johor elections remains undecided.
Dzulkefly also reiterated Amanah's readiness, citing historical performance as evidence.
"In the 14th General Election, Pakatan formed the Johor state government, with Amanah winning nine state seats.
"In contrast, in the 15th state election held during the Covid-19 pandemic, Pakatan won only 12 seats overall, with Amanah securing just one.
"Let us be clear that we cannot always be expected to follow the directives of others without the same consideration in return," he added, alluding to what he perceived as an imbalance in the partnership within Johor.
Dzulkefly urged Umno to engage in open discussions if it genuinely wanted to maintain the alliance with Pakatan.
Earlier, on Nov 4, Dzulkefly was reported as saying that Johor Amanah was prepared to fight for Johor assembly seats in the upcoming elections and aimed to field candidates for 12 to 20 seats out of the 56 available in the Johor state assembly.
Johor Umno secretary Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman responded, saying that the Johor Amanah statement was like a "declaration of war" to Barisan and they should instead focus on helping the people.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Barisan chairman, also responded by saying Johor Amanah should temporarily put aside political strategy and instead prioritise efforts to assist the public and that there is still ample time before the 16th General Election or the Johor state election.
Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu was also reported as saying that Johor Amanah's announcement of its goal to contest several state seats was a common political strategy.
