The cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional is necessary to maintain Johor as the stronghold of both coalitions, according to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Barisan chairman. He emphasized the importance of this collaboration in Simpang Jeram, a state seat where PAS has a strong support base. Ahmad Zahid expressed the need to prevent the entry of PAS into Johor and not to add another PAS assemblyman in Simpang Jeram, apart from the existing one in Maharani, as it would help PAS establish a second base in the state. Ahmad Zahid warned about the tactics that PAS could employ, as seen in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah, and stressed the need to strategize effectively without revealing plans to anyone.
For the upcoming election in Simpang Jeram, a three-cornered fight is expected between PAS’ Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya, Parti Amanah Negara’s Nazri Abdul Rahman, and Independent candidate S. Jeganathan. In the previous Johor state election, the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub secured victory in Simpang Jeram with a 2,399 majority amidst a four-cornered contest involving Zarul Salleh (PAS), Datuk Lokman Md Don (Umno), and Mahaizal Mahmor (Parti Pejuang Tanah Air).
Overall, it is crucial for the election machinery of Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional to unite in order to safeguard Johor as the fixed deposit of the two coalitions. Ahmad Zahid specifically mentioned the significance of Simpang Jeram, where PAS aims to establish its second base. To prevent this, strategic planning and caution are required to counter PAS’s tactics, while keeping the strategy undisclosed. The upcoming election in Simpang Jeram is anticipated to be a three-cornered battle involving PAS, Parti Amanah Negara, and an Independent candidate. The previous election in Johor saw Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub emerging victorious in Simpang Jeram, securing a comfortable majority.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
