BATU PAHAT: Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on political rivals to conduct a “gentlemanly” campaign in the Johor state election,
The Umno president urged all parties to refrain from blocking opponents from entering campaign areas or restricting their activities on social media.
“Every party contesting in the Johor state election should be allowed to campaign fairly and let voters decide at the ballot box.
“Let’s be gentlemen. If the people of Johor have already made up their minds, why stop anyone from campaigning? Don’t block us from entering Felda areas or restrict our Facebook, TikTok or even our campaign songs,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said this in his speech during the launch of Barisan’s election machinery in Sri Gading here on Sunday (June 28).
He added elections should be contested fairly, stressing that Barisan was prepared to face any opponent and would continue its principle of “lawan sampai menang” (fight until victory).
He said Johor remained Barisan’s traditional stronghold and expressed confidence the coalition could improve on its previous performance of winning 40 out of 56 seats in the last state election.
Ahmad Zahid credited the administration of caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi for strengthening Johor’s economy through political stability, which he said had attracted record investments and increased state revenue.
He said that Johor remained the country’s leading destination for foreign investment, adding that global companies were increasingly looking at the state as a preferred investment destination amid geopolitical uncertainties elsewhere.
Ahmad Zahid urged voters to give Barisan a stronger mandate in the Aug 11 state election, saying it would ensure continuity in development and allow the state government to build on its economic achievements.
For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election,visit https://elections.thestar.com.my/
