JOHOR BARU: Barisan Nasional is part of the unity government at the federal level, so the argument from Pakatan Harapan that Johor voters should vote for a state government that is aligned with the federal administration is irrelevant, says Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
He said voters should understand that while Barisan is part of the federal administration through the unity government, Johor continues to be governed by a Barisan-led state government.
“The claim that Johoreans must choose a state government that is aligned with the Federal Government does not apply because Barisan is already part of the federal administration,” he said during the Himpunan Anak Tiram programme in Kota Masai here on Friday night.
Ahmad Zahid said the political situation in Johor differed from that at the federal level, as the state government had been formed solely by Barisan before the state election was announced.
He compared his position in the Federal Government to a “sandwich”, saying that he is flanked by Pakatan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on one side and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke on the other.
“They (Pakatan) should be thankful to Barisan because although we won only 30 parliamentary seats, they were able to form the government with our support, as the 82 seats they secured were not enough,” he said.
On Khairy Jamaluddin, he joked that the former Umno Youth chief, who was expelled from Umno three years ago, was nervous about sharing the stage with him because the former minister knew he had made mistakes in the past.
“Leaders with a big heart will never abandon the party. I admit that I made mistakes as well.
“Although people did not see Khairy and I embracing each other, our hearts are united once again for the struggle of Umno and Barisan.
“I have fully forgiven whatever mistakes he had made,” he added.
At a separate event, Ahmad Zahid said Barisan has remained professional while in the unity government, adding that the coalition government was formed at the request of the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong to ensure stability is maintained.
He said the leaders of both Barisan and Pakatan have consistently demonstrated professionalism and political maturity, placing the national agenda above all other considerations.
“Cooperation between Barisan and Pakatan is very good and we remain professional,” he said at a separate event organised by Risda in Kota Tinggi yesterday.
On the election campaign, Ahmad Zahid said both political coalitions remain committed to preserving harmony within the government by adopting a mature approach to campaigning, Bernama reported.
He added that both Barisan and Pakatan don’t attack each other during campaigning.
“The same approach will apply in Negri Sembilan where we will not resort to personal attacks.
“If anyone from either side slips up, we should de-escalate the situation,” he said.
