THE Umno stronghold state of Johor is ripe for the taking, the Pakatan Harapan election chief, Muhyiddin Yassin, said today.

PH is also working to capture the federal government in the 14th general election (GE14) and the Bersatu president said, the state is “ripe” for a takeover.

“This is based on the facts, data and observation we have been making since the past years and months. That is why our strategy is to gain back Johor from BN and Umno,” he said at the Bersatu Johor headquarters in Johor Baru.

Muhyiddin said the party is focused on boosting its preparations for GE14 and intensifying its work at the parliamentary and state assembly levels.

The opposition coalition will run in all parliamentary seats, especially those won by Barisan Nasional.

“The ongoing preparation will be heightened as we do not have much time. We predict the general election will be held at any time,” he said.

PH will also be organising more programmes and representatives from all parties in the coalition will join in the ceramah circuit, he said, adding that the coalition’s committee at the parliamentary level is to be established immediately.

“I leave it to the leaders in the area to discuss among themselves and reach an agreement on who should lead and help (in the establishment). 

“We are one and it does not matter who leads. Our aim is to victory.”

During the first meeting of Johor PH held earlier, Muhyiddin announced that Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub is the election director in the state.

PH will be launched in Johor in September and among the attendees are PH chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad and wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali; Amanah president Mohamad Sabu; DAP leader Lim Kit Siang; and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, among others.

“We have decided to hold more frequent meetings to ensure that PH Johor is more organised.

“We are confident that with the establishment of PH in the state, the people will have better options in deciding their future.

“PH will offer development and prosperity to the people of Johor.” – August 22, 2017.