Coalition to reassess strategy ahead of Negri polls
JOHOR BARU: Pakatan Harapan suffered a crushing defeat in the 16th Johor election, after winning only eight of the 56 seats it contested, leaving the coalition to reassess its strategy ahead of the Negri Sembilan polls and the next general election.
The coalition’s disappointing performance marked a major setback as Barisan Nasional secured a commanding victory to retain control of the Johor government.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who congratulated Barisan on its victory, urged all parties to move forward and focus on serving the people.
The Pakatan chairman hoped the mandate given by Johor voters would be carried out responsibly for the benefit of the state and its people.
“I congratulate Barisan on the mandate given by the people of Johor. May this trust be upheld in the best interests of the state and its rakyat,” he said in a Facebook post.
Anwar said the election and the democratic process had come to an end, and it was now time for everyone to look ahead and work together towards building a more prosperous and progressive Johor.
He also expressed his appreciation to Johor voters for fulfilling their democratic responsibility, as well as to election workers and party machinery who had worked tirelessly throughout the campaign.
“Our resolve is clear. Every Pakatan candidate, whether victorious or defeated, must continue serving and carrying the voice of the people.”
Anwar said that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening development initiatives and improving the well-being of Johor residents.
“Efforts to enhance the state’s development agenda and ensure the welfare of its people will continue despite the outcome of the election,” he added.
A sombre mood enveloped Pakatan’s election information centre at Pulai Springs Resort last night as results trickled in.
A handful of supporters was seen quietly watching the results on television screens while party workers monitored updates from the Election Commission.
Addressing the media, Pakatan’s election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari thanked voters in Johor for fulfilling their democratic responsibility.
He also acknowledged the coalition’s disappointing showing.
“Pakatan Harapan will continue to carry out its responsibilities in the Johor state assembly with courage and integrity by raising the people’s concerns and offering solutions to unresolved issues.”
Amirudin said the election outcome served as a reminder for Pakatan to strengthen its grassroots machinery and engagement with voters in preparation for the 16th General Election as well as the upcoming Negri Sembilan polls.
He said the coalition would return to the drawing board to review its strategy, analyse voting patterns at every polling stream and locality, and understand the factors behind the results.
“We cannot generalise the outcome. We need to study every polling stream and locality before deciding on the next course of action.”
Amirudin maintained that Pakatan’s core support remained intact, but claimed that the collapse of support for Perikatan Nasional had resulted in a significant swing of votes to Barisan candidates.
“Our support did not diminish significantly.
“What happened was a swing in votes from PAS and Bersatu supporters, with many of their supporters backing Barisan candidates,” he said.
