2018, Rakyat Mengundi Harapan. 2026, Rakyat Memberi Hukuman.
The Johor election was never just about Johor.
It became a referendum on Anwar Ibrahim’s government.
This vote was about one thing.
The cost of living. Hari ini rakyat betul-betul susah.
Everything costs more. Groceries, food, rent, electricity, school expenses and running a business. People are no longer interested in political slogans when they are struggling to make ends meet.
In 2018, Malaysians voted for Pakatan Harapan because they wanted change.
In 2026, Johor voted to teach Anwar’s government a lesson.
Many Malaysians feel that since Anwar became Prime Minister, life has become more difficult instead of easier.
Businesses are dealing with e-Invoicing, e-hailing drivers face more insurance requirements, companies are are facing withholding tax charges from 2019, while many complain about more taxes and compliance costs.
Daripada memudahkan rakyat, ramai merasakan kerajaan lebih banyak menyusahkan rakyat.
The biggest mistake PH made was changing the campaign narrative.
Calling Onn Hafiz “budak-budak” united many Johoreans behind him. What was meant to attack him ended up strengthening him.
At the same time, the campaign became too focused on Najib, resignation threats and political drama.
The rakyat had a much simpler question.
“Macam mana semua ini membantu saya bayar bil bulan depan?”
Politics is won in the kitchen, not on social media.
When families struggle to buy groceries, pay rent and survive every month, the ballot box becomes their voice.
And when the rakyat stand together, no political machinery can stop them.
Johor proved that.
Thousands willingly travelled home to vote because they wanted to send a message.
Not because they were paid.
Not because of politics.
But because they believed this election mattered.
Johor is a warning.
A warning that governments should never ignore the people.
If Putrajaya continues to dismiss the frustrations over the rising cost of living, Johor may only be the beginning.
RAJA SARA PETRA
Raja Sara Petra (rajasarapetra@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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