JOHOR BARU: Johor Amanah is prepared to face a three-cornered fight in the next state election, says its deputy chairman Datuk Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said that while a unity government exists at the federal level between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, the situation in Johor is entirely different, as the state government is formed solely by Barisan.
“The reality in Johor is that the state government is formed entirely by Barisan without any formal involvement or role from Pakatan.
“Pakatan is the Opposition in Johor, and there is no power-sharing between the two coalitions at the state level.
“Therefore, any attempt to establish electoral cooperation between Pakatan and Barisan in Johor will be seen as inconsistent and confusing to voters,” he said in a statement here.
Dzulkefly said Johor Amanah rejects any attempt to force electoral cooperation in the name of the unity government and will instead focus on strengthening its party machinery, including mobilising the women and youth wings in all constituencies.
“The proposal for three-cornered contests stems from the grassroots’ frustration with the arrogance and condescension of certain Johor Umno or Barisan leaders who seem to belittle the spirit of solidarity within the unity government at the federal level.
“This proposal also serves as a clear and loud signal to Johor Umno and Barisan to state their true position, whether they intend to move forward together with Pakatan or go solo in the upcoming Johor election.
“If they truly wish to contest alone, then they must have the courage to declare that stance now instead of continuing to play guessing games that only confuse the public,” he added.
In the 2022 Johor state election, Barisan won 40 of the 56 seats, while Pakatan secured 12, with DAP winning 10 and PKR and Amanah one each.
Perikatan Nasional won three seats, two by Bersatu and one by PAS, while the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) also won one seat.
