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SHAH ALAM – Pas says its objective in the Johor state election had been achieved by preserving Malay-Muslim political power in Malaysia's multiracial society while preventing Pakatan Harapan's (PH) expansion in the state.
Bachok MP Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman said although Perikatan Nasional (PN) failed to win any state seats, Pas' primary objective had nevertheless been achieved based on the election outcome.
He said the results, which saw Barisan Nasional (BN) secure 48 of the 56 state seats, PH win eight seats and PN fail to win any, should be viewed within the context of Johor's political landscape.
"However, Pas' objective was achieved, namely maintaining Malay-Islamic political power within the plural society and curbing PH's advance in Johor as well as subsequently in Parliament.
"The popularity of Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi as BN's 'poster boy', coupled with a shift in support among fence-sitters, including some PN supporters, particularly Pas voters, also contributed to BN's landslide victory," he said in a statement on Sunday.
Syahir said voters in state elections generally tend to support parties or coalitions perceived as having the capability and credibility to form the government.
He added that PN was not seen as a viable alternative to BN and PH in Johor as it did not present a Menteri Besar candidate or a sufficiently convincing manifesto, while also facing the combined strength of the state and Federal Government's machinery and media influence.
Meanwhile, he said BN's emphatic victory had given Umno fresh momentum ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).
Commenting on PH's performance, Syahir claimed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and DAP were the parties most affected by the Johor election results.
He said BN should not interpret its victory in Johor as a sign that the party's brand had been fully embraced by the people once again.
According to him, the shift in support towards BN in Johor was likely temporary, as some voters sought to reject PH, while PN had failed to position itself as a credible alternative.
He said PN should strengthen its position in several states, including Selangor, Melaka, Perak and Pahang, by fielding credible Menteri Besar candidates and presenting a more convincing manifesto in preparation for GE16.
