Tag: Barisan Nasional (BN)

Johor Polls: Stop Raising Old, Unrelated Issues – Ahmad Zahid

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3-- Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reminded all parties to stop playing up old issues unrelated to Johor during the state election campaign period, to ensure a mature and respectful political contest. The Deputy Prime Minister said campaign focus should instead be on candidates’ strengths and their offers to the people, noting that some of the contesting parties are also cooperating at the federal government level. “Although there are certain individuals who have been attacking UMNO and BN with old issues, I hope these issues will not be played up because we are partners at the federal level, and I hope we approach the political arena in Johor with wisdom and in the best possible manner. “I don’t think we need to raise other issues because every week we meet at the Cabinet meeting, and I do not want them to feel awkward when meeting leaders who are their colleagues in the Cabinet,” he said after attending a community programme in the Kempas state constituency today. Ahmad Zahid also denied claims that BN is overconfident in facing the state election, saying the party considers itself the underdog, based on changes in the state’s political landscape. He said BN must work hard to improve on its performance of capturing 40 seats in the last state election, especially as more than half of the voters are now young people. According to him, the manifesto presented by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi places emphasis on youth needs, including job opportunities and skills development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Noting that the unemployment rate has fallen to 2.9 per cent, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said this is a positive sign, but young people still need access to premium-wage jobs that can be achieved through skills training. “What we are offering in Johor is technical and skills training for young people, with high opportunities being given strong emphasis in the Barisan Nasional manifesto,” he said. He therefore appealed to young voters in Johor to support BN candidates in the state election, taking into account the offerings provided for their future. BN is contesting all 56 seats in the 16th Johor state election. Polling will be held on July 11, with early voting on July 7. -- BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3– Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reminded all parties to stop playing up old issues unrelated to Johor during the state election campaign period, to ensure a mature and respectful political contest. The Deputy Prime Minister said campaign focus should instead be on candidates’ strengths and […]

Johor Polls: Tok Pandak To Continue Push To Redraw Johor-Singapore Maritime Boundary

JOHOR BAHRU, July 2  — Although the fishing community makes up only 1.53 per cent, or about 2,000, of the 132,579 registered voters in the Kota Iskandar state constituency, it holds a special place in the heart of the constituency’s incumbent Barisan Nasional (BN) representative Datuk Pandak Ahmad. It is easy to understand why, as […]

‘Work In The City, Live In The Countryside’ Key To Syed Hussien’s Vision For Mahkota

KLUANG, July 2 -- A "Work in the City, Live in the Countryside" ecosystem is at the heart of Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah's vision for Mahkota state constituency, aimed at enabling residents to secure better-paying jobs in Johor's urban and industrial centres while continuing to enjoy a more affordable and sustainable lifestyle. He said the initiative would allow residents to benefit directly from Johor's economic expansion through improved public transport connectivity, particularly the Electric Train Service (ETS), making daily commuting between Kluang and major employment hubs more convenient. "We want Kluang's young people to have access to quality jobs in industrial areas that offer premium salaries. "At the same time, they should be able to return home every day and build a sustainable life with their families here," he told Bernama recently. Syed Hussien said the vision aligns with the Johor Economic Transformation Plan (JETP), introduced by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, which seeks to spur balanced economic growth across all 10 districts in the state. On the campaign trail, Syed Hussien said the BN machinery had reached more than half of the areas within the Mahkota constituency and was on track to complete its outreach across the remaining localities within the next four to five days. He attributed the positive momentum to the coalition's consistent grassroots engagement rather than seasonal campaigning, supported by a combination of digital and face-to-face approaches that allow candidates and party workers to maintain close personal contact with voters. On his ability to converse fluently in Mandarin, Syed Hussien described it as an added advantage in engaging the Chinese community but sincerity, mutual respect and fair treatment of all communities were far more important than language proficiency alone. Touching on efforts to win over young voters, whom he believes could determine the outcome in Mahkota, Syed Hussien said BN would avoid populist politics and instead focus on fostering political maturity and responsible civic participation. "We want young people to understand that voting carries a great responsibility. We must cultivate a healthier and more progressive political culture instead of making unrealistic promises that ultimately leave them disappointed," he said. The Mahkota state seat will see a three-cornered contest involving Syed Hussien, Pakatan Harapan candidate Dr Ahmad Zuhan Md Zain and Bersama candidate Abd Hamid Ali. The Johor election has attracted 172 candidates contesting 56 state seats. Polling is scheduled for July 11, while early voting will take place on July 7. -- BERNAMA 

KLUANG, July 2 — A “Work in the City, Live in the Countryside” ecosystem is at the heart of Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah’s vision for Mahkota state constituency, aimed at enabling residents to secure better-paying jobs in Johor’s urban and industrial centres while continuing to enjoy a more affordable and sustainable […]

Johor Polls: Perling BN Candidate Bets On “Pocket Talks” To Win Over Voters

JOHOR BAHRU, July 1 -- Taking a personal and grassroots approach, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Perling seat, P. Pannir Selvam, is relying on a series of “pocket talks” as his key strategy to win over voters in the 16th Johor State Election (PRN). While acknowledging the growing influence of social media as a modern campaign tool, Pannir Selvam, who is making his debut in state-level politics, believes face-to-face engagement through small-group sessions remains more effective and leaves a deeper impression on voters. He said the pocket talk approach not only narrows the gap between candidates and voters but also serves as an effective platform to better understand and address issues affecting the local community. “Through these sessions, I have the opportunity to meet voters directly, introduce myself in a more personal and approachable manner, and explain my vision while giving them confidence in my ability to serve the people in this constituency. “So far, the response from voters in the pocket talks held across this DUN has been very encouraging and has given me confidence to intensify the campaign as polling day approaches,” he told Bernama recently. As he seeks a mandate in what is expected to be a closely watched contest, Pannir Selvam described the unwavering support of his father, Datuk KS Balakrishnan, as a source of strength and motivation. He said the presence of his father, who is a political veteran, being a former Permas Assemblyman for five terms and also a former Johor state executive council member, represents more than parental support, but also invaluable guidance in understanding public service. “I am deeply moved that at the age of 84, he still has the determination to drive himself to campaign locations and go to the ground to support me regardless of the weather. “To be honest, I have learned a great deal from my father, especially in handling public issues, serving people without discrimination regardless of race, and accepting criticism positively,” he said. Pannir Selvam added that his father’s advice has always been to serve sincerely, honestly and with integrity if entrusted with the people’s mandate. On his pledges to Perling voters, the former Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) member said he intends to prioritise resolving daily issues affecting residents, particularly traffic congestion and insufficient parking facilities around the Taman Perling Public Market. He said his experience in local government administration would enable him to address community concerns more effectively and efficiently. The Perling DUN, which has 109,992 registered voters, is seeing a three-cornered contest involving Pannir Selvam, Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Alan Tee Boon Tsong and Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) candidate Boo Wei Han. The Johor polls are witnessing a total of 172 candidates contesting 56 seats, with polling day set for July 11, while early voting is on July 7. -- BERNAMA 

JOHOR BAHRU, July 1 — Taking a personal and grassroots approach, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Perling seat, P. Pannir Selvam, is relying on a series of “pocket talks” as his key strategy to win over voters in the 16th Johor State Election (PRN). While acknowledging the growing influence of social media as a […]

Johor Polls Not Affecting Federal Govt, Dynamics Of Politics Have Changed – Mohamad

MUAR, June 30 -- The results of the 16th Johor state election will not affect the stability of the federal government following the changing landscape and political dynamics of the country, said Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said the administrative mandates at the central and state levels have different molds, and in fact the current political models in several other states prove that this uniqueness can be practised without causing any issues. "Many states such as Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu have no problems. In Sabah, it is unique, the party that is in the opposition but is with the Unity Government at the centre. So the political dynamics of Malaysia have changed, we should not be tied to the old way of thinking," he said. He told reporters after greeting voters who were having breakfast at a stall in Jalan Sungai Abong here with BN candidate for Simpang Jeram constituency Datuk Azman Ismail and BN candidate for Bukit Naning Mohd Ghazali Sabari @ Atan. Commenting on the socio-economic aspect, Mohamad said political stability under BN was critical to ensure that Johor continued to drive foreign investment inflows, which were now ahead of other states. He said the surge in economic performance would translate into increased state revenue which would ultimately be repatriated to the people. "Johor is a state that is at the forefront in terms of accepting investors from abroad, this is a very good thing, in two or three years it will be translated into state revenue. "We have seen the state's results from the performance of the MB (Menteri Besar) he gave to the people of Johor. So the people of Johor don't make a mistake, continue to support Barisan Nasional to continue to govern Johor and together we will enjoy the results of our support later," he said. Touching on PAS' recent statement implying vote support for BN candidates in certain areas, Mohamad reminded the party machinery not to be too comfortable and hope for mercy from outside parties. "We must continue to work hard. In this life, we should not expect mercy from others. We build our strength to be strong on our own strength," he said. The Johor state election saw 172 candidates contesting for 56 state seats with polling day set for July 11, while early voting is on July 7. -- BERNAMA

MUAR, June 30 — The results of the 16th Johor state election will not affect the stability of the federal government following the changing landscape and political dynamics of the country, said Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said the administrative mandates at the central and state levels have different molds, […]