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BATU PAHAT – Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has acknowledged that Perikatan Nasional (PN) may not be able to form the Johor state government following Saturday's state election.
However, he stressed that voter support for PN remains crucial to ensure the coalition secures enough seats to serve as an effective check and balance on the state government's administration.
He said that although PN may not succeed in forming the state government, the presence of a strong opposition bloc in the State Legislative Assembly is crucial to ensure the state government's policies and expenditure are effectively scrutinised.
He said a sizeable PN presence in the state assembly would prevent the government from acting without accountability.
"This is where our role as a check and balance becomes important. The government cannot simply do as it pleases."
"They must also explain how state funds are spent whenever such matters are raised in the State Legislative Assembly," he said during the Bersatu Demi Johor ceramah at PN's main operations centre in Parit Raja here on Tuesday night.
Also present was Bersatu candidate for the Parit Raja state seat, Dr Mohamed Maliki Mohamed Rapiee.
Muhyiddin said PN's role as the opposition would become even more important if the state government, despite securing a strong mandate, failed to deliver on its promises to the people.
He cautioned voters against giving unconditional support to any coalition, saying there was no guarantee that a government with an overwhelming majority would fulfil its responsibilities, particularly amid claims that one coalition could secure as many as 40 seats.
"Don't give your support blindly because there are no guarantees. We are now hearing claims that they could win up to 40 seats.
"If they win 40 seats, they may become complacent. Even if they do nothing, it won't matter because the people have already backed them. In the end, it is the people who will get nothing," he said.
Muhyiddin added that although PN was contesting fewer seats than its rivals and might not be in a position to form the state government, it still needed sufficient representation to function as a credible opposition.
"That is why it is important for the people to elect representatives who are truly capable of bringing about change and championing their interests," he said.
