TANGKAK: Barisan Nasional is seeing signs of growing support among Chinese voters ahead of the Johor state election, particularly for its MCA and MIC candidates, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman said the coalition's internal assessments based on polling district centres and voting streams pointed to encouraging momentum, especially in constituencies with sizeable Chinese electorates where Barisan has fielded non-Umno candidates.
"We have fielded many underdog candidates in constituencies with a large Chinese electorate. Based on our observations and studies, the support has increased," he told reporters after mingling with residents at the Tangkak Foodcourt here on Sunday (July 5).
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said feedback received by the coalition indicated that some Chinese voters felt their previous representatives had not lived up to expectations and were now prepared to give Barisan's MCA and MIC candidates an opportunity to serve.
Ahmad Zahid said Barisan was fielding 37 candidates from Umno, 15 from MCA and 14 from MIC polls, expressing hope that the encouraging momentum would continue until polling day on July 11.
The meet-and-greet was held amid heavy rain that lashed Tangkak town. Despite the downpour, the wet weather did little to dampen the lively atmosphere at the food court, where Ahmad Zahid spent time greeting diners and chatting with residents.
Also present were MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, Tangkak Barisan candidate Datuk Haw Chin Teck.
On remarks by PAS leaders calling on voters to support Barisan's MCA and MIC candidates, Ahmad Zahid welcomed the endorsement.
"However, we do not regard it as evidence of any pact or cooperation that has been or will be forged between Umno and PAS," he said.
