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KUALA LUMPUR – Pejuang chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has blamed the party’s focus on anti-corruption for its loss in the recently concluded Johor state election.
Pointing out that Pejuang failed to secure even one of the 42 seats contested in Johor, Dr Mahathir said the party should have placed more emphasis on problems faced by the rakyat such as unemployment, food shortages and evictions.
“We focused too much on battling corruption until there was less emphasis on the problems faced by the people.
“This resulted in voters not being attracted to our anti-corruption rhetoric,” Dr Mahathir said during a press conference.
Adding further, the Langkawi MP said Pejuang will have identified various reasons as to why they lost in Johor and would find a better path forward.
However, Dr Mahathir also took the opportunity to explain that the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition should not be in government, given their involvement in corrupt activities.
He said their continued support would mean the nation’s recovery could never be achieved.
“We are of the view that the rulers chosen by the rakyat in Johor, Melaka, and Sarawak are not good for the country.
“They should not be in government, as they are from a party involved in a serious crime which ruined our country,” Dr Mahathir said.
As for the possibility of Pejuang joining a coalition anytime soon, Dr Mahathir said the proposal was raised by party members and will be studied in detail.
“I don’t think it is good for the country to have a general election when the people are not ready.
“We are aware that a general election could happen soon and this does not give us much time to prepare.
“But it is our responsibility to maintain a presence in the political arena,” Dr Mahathir added. – The Vibes, March 18, 2022