PALOH: Voters in Johor are tired of political attacks and issues that have little to do with the state, says MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
He said attempts by certain parties to revive old issues, including those concerning the “green wave” of conservative Islamic support and former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, had failed to gain traction.
“Many voters were tired of the attacks and verbal sparring. Issues that had nothing to do with Johor were repeatedly thrown at them, but the constant bombardment did not resonate,” he said during the campaign for MCA’s Paloh candidate Lee Ting Han.
Chong said voters were more concerned about stability, economic growth and local development after four years under the Barisan Nasional-led state government.
“Voters responded more positively to the idea of a stable government focused on development,” he said.
He said Johor’s economic performance showed that the state government led by caretaker mentri besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi had delivered results.
Data showed Johor was the fastest-growing state in the country in 2025, with its GDP expanding by 8% to RM171bil – above the national growth rate of 5.2%.
“After four years in government, voters can see the economy taking off and more jobs being created for young people. Johor once again recorded 8% growth. This is an impressive achievement,” he said.
Lee, who is defending the Paloh seat for Barisan, served as Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman in the previous state administration.
He had said that jobs, affordable housing and basic infrastructure would remain his focus if he returns for another term.
Asked about DAP’s Dr Ong Kian Ming’s projection that Barisan could win up to 53 of the 56 seats in Johor based on voting patterns from the 2022 general election, Chong said the coalition was not taking voter support for granted.
“We have always been conservative in assessing this fight. We knew we could not be overconfident, so we work very hard and go all out,” he said.
Chong said MCA had seen a better response from Chinese voters compared with the previous two elections.
“After visiting many MCA areas during the campaign, we found that Chinese voters are responding more positively to our candidates this time,” he said.
MCA is contesting 15 seats in the 16th Johor state election.
Chong said many of its candidates had a record of service, with several having served as district councillors, municipal councillors or local representatives.
“MCA candidates have experience on the ground and have worked hard for the people,” he said.
Taking aim at DAP, Chong said the party had failed to bring fresh issues into the campaign and was relying on attacks against MCA.
“They have always only dared to attack MCA. They are at their fiercest and most merciless when criticising MCA, but they do not dare respond to Umno,” he said.
He also accused DAP of double standard after its secretary-general Anthony Loke called on Johor voters to reject one-party dominance in the state to ensure effective checks and balances.
“In Penang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Perak, they have tried to wipe out MCA completely. This is a clear double standard,” he said.
Chong said Barisan would continue to focus on economic development, improving livelihoods and helping families.
“These are things we have already been doing steadily for the past four years. The state government will continue and increase these efforts, not reduce them.
“What we are offering now has already been delivered,” he said.
