Ahmad Zahid urges mature, positive campaigning during Johor election
PONTIAN: Barisan Nasional will not resort to attacking its opponents during the campaign period for the Johor election, but will instead adopt a mature approach, says coalition chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
He said despite differing views, the Barisan machinery has been instructed to campaign for candidates in a mature and responsible manner.
“Our campaign machinery will focus on promoting the strengths of the candidates courteously and constructively,” he said when launching Barisan’s election command centre for the Benut seat.
“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. This is well understood by the top leadership of the parties within the unity government,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said he would ensure the state government moves in line with and provides full support to the Federal Government if Barisan is given the mandate to continue to administer Johor.
He said good leadership is rooted in strong political stability, especially when victory is achieved with a higher number of seats and majority.
He also pointed out that the Barisan administration at state level does not intend to challenge the administration at the central level in any election campaign.
“I assure you, if the mandate is given again, the government in Johor will continue to work together with Putrajaya for the benefit of the people in the state,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid reminded all parties not to manipulate political sentiment by claiming that voters supposedly need to choose representatives from a certain group only to ensure harmony with the central government.
He also urged those who did not make the candidates list not to sulk, but should instead help by focusing on strengthening the machinery to ensure Barisan retains power and continues to keep Johor as its stronghold.
On another matter, the Barisan chairman said the coalition aims to secure a higher number of seats.
He said the higher target is also driven by the performance shown by caretaker Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
“Onn Hafiz is a hard worker, and it is not just a matter of development, allocations and increasing state revenue, but how those allocations are distributed comprehensively,” he said.
