PAKATAN Harapan (PH) has engaged Muda in discussions about a potential pact for the upcoming Johor elections.

PH Johor chairman Aminolhuda Hassan said both sides also discussed seats, despite saying polls were unnecessary.

“Our stand is that elections are unnecessary as Malaysians are still dealing with the Covid-19 threat, floods and economic pressures,” he said today.

Aminolhuda, the Parit Yaani assemblyman, said the coalition would rely on the PH-led state government’s good track record of 22 months.

“We hope voters can evaluate our performance, including free water assistance, the B40 health card and the senior citizens’ takaful card,” he said.

Meanwhile, PKR Johor deputy chairman and Bukit Batu assemblyman Jimmy Puah said the polls would be a different situation compared to those in Malacca and Sarawak.

“We will prioritise local candidates with the possibility of adding more youth and female faces, but our focus will be on bread-and-butter issues for Johor folk, especially the rising prices of goods that will be the focus issue for citizens,” he said.

Also, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Johor deputy chairman and Kota Iskandar assemblyman, Dzulkefly Ahmad said the opposition bloc needed to have an understanding under the big tent concept to avoid any infighting.

Currently, the Barisan Nasional-led government holds 28 seats divided between Umno (14 seats), MIC (two), Bersatu (11) and PAS (one). Meanwhile PH has 27 seats, 14 for DAP, seven for PKR and six for Amanah.

The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, today consented to the dissolution of the Johor assembly to pave the way for the state election. – Bernama, January 22, 2022.