JOHOR BARU: Barisan Nasional will focus on engaging with voters over the coming days to maintain its momentum in the state election, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The caretaker Mentri Besar said the coalition would have to work harder, describing it as the ‘underdog’ in the polls.
“So, we will work hard to meet as many Bangsa Johor as we can,” he told reporters after a meet-and-greet session with the people at the Bukit Saujana flats here yesterday.
Also present were Wanita MCA chief Datuk Wong You Fong, Umno supreme council member Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed and Barisan candidate for the Perling seat, B. Pannir Selvam.
He said campaign momentum was picking up steam for Barisan since nomination day on Saturday.
“I can see that when I visited several constituencies, including Kempas and Larkin, where the response has been very encouraging,” he added.
On how the tone of the campaign was being conducted, Onn Hafiz, who is re-contesing his Machap seat, said it remained harmonious so far.
“I am grateful that the nomination process for all 56 state seats went well and smoothly, with no untoward incident.
“I think it reflects the Johor way. We will continue to preserve harmony so that the democratic process in Johor will be nurtured and strengthened,” he added.
Onn Hafiz also said that Pakatan Harapan should focus on fulfilling promises made to Johoreans instead of coming up with a new manifesto.
“To me, instead of talking about a manifesto, Pakatan should tell Johoreans when it will complete the elevated autonomous rapid transit (E-ART) project which was announced two to three years ago.
“And when will Hospital Sultanah Aminah 2 (HSA 2) begin? That was also announced two to three years ago.
“Even for Hospital Pasir Gudang, they said the hospital would have enough doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel, with staffing to reach 100% by June this year,” he said.
Onn Hafiz said Pakatan’s failure to fulfil these pledges made it difficult for voters to believe any manifesto it might put forward.
“That is why I feel that when they make new promises, people no longer believe them. It is easy to make announcements, but implementing them is what shows whether leaders are truly sincere or not.”
