THE Johor elections will shape the country’s political landscape, especially with the 15th general election (GE15) coming soon, state DAP deputy chief Sheikh Omar Ali said.

Omar, who is running for the Paloh seat, said the state polls will show the impact caused by the increase in young voters and the emergence of new political parties.

This is the first time 18-year-old voters and those who have been automatically registered to vote can do so. Eligibility has spiked by more than 700,000 to 2.5 million people on the Johor electoral roll.

Omar added that the elections will also show if Barisan Nasional can indeed form the state government, while the make-up of its opposition will also change significantly.

Aside from BN, Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional (PN), new parties that will contest in the state election include Muda and Pejuang.

“These elections are important, especially leading to GE15, with the increase in voters, many political parties have been registered, and there are the old parties such as BN, PH… if there is a new political scenario, it starts in Johor.

“It is also important because voters want to know if Umno is making a comeback after a change of government in Malacca.

“There are rumours of Kedah and Perak going to polls after this, which is a reflection of the return of BN and the old political culture.

“If the people understand and do not want to go back, but want something new, they must vote,” Sheikh Omar told The Malaysian Insight.

Muda has so far said it would contest at least six seats, as a result of negotiations with DAP and Amanah from PH. It is still negotiating with PKR for at least three more seats.

Pejuang has said it would contest on its own in 42 of the state’s 56 seats.

Omar said PH’s co-operation with Muda could also carry through to the next general election, if it is successful in Johor.

“If Muda with PH can be an example in Johor, maybe in the next general election, Muda can be a force together with us to fight against BN,” he said.

Unity among opposition needed

Sheikh Omar said the opposition must realise that they should unite and fight BN instead of going it alone, adding that infighting in the opposition ranks only benefits Umno and BN.

“Factors that need to be taken into account: the multiple seat clashes and if the opposition is disorganised, then Umno returns to power.

“It is not in power because it has the support of the majority or even a lot of votes, but because the opposition is split.

“If there are three-cornered fights, there is a chance the opposition will lose, because the vote is split,” Sheikh Omar said.

According to the former exco, PH needed to show a solid front to defeat BN. For this, he added, other opposition parties such as Warisan and Pejuang too must work with PH and Muda.

“We are already co-operating with Muda. We now need Pejuang and Warisan to be together… if we can work together in Johor, maybe we can also work at federal level, and maybe we can win,” he added.

The Johor elections will take place on March 12 with the nomination of candidates set for February 26. – February 15, 2022.