Mat Sabu hopes the Pakatan-Barisan's "arranged marriage" will last

JOHOR BARU: Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu stated that Pakatan Harapan hopes that their alliance with Barisan Nasional will last. The Amanah president mentioned that the unity government, formed through this “arranged marriage,” was approved by the “elders” after the 15th General Election when no party obtained a clear majority to form the government. He pointed out that this situation was unprecedented in previous elections since 1955, where Barisan had the majority in 2013, and Pakatan in 2018.

Mohamad Sabu explained that despite Pakatan and Barisan never having any prior political ties, they received consent to form the unity government from influential figures, such as the Malay Rulers. He humorously compared this unique alliance to a late marriage, stating that even love marriages with extravagant wedding receptions sometimes end within two years. Nevertheless, he expressed his prayers for their political marriage to last long.

The crowd, predominantly Malays, laughed in response to his metaphor during his ceramah in Taman Dahlia. Earlier, Pakatan’s Pulai candidate, Suhaizan Kayat, and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail also delivered speeches.

Mohamad Sabu highlighted that the Pakatan-Barisan partnership attained acceptance and blessings when they emerged victorious in the Tioman by-election in December of the previous year. He believed that the same formula could lead to victory in the upcoming Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections in Johor on September 9.

Moreover, he expressed hope that Johor, along with Melaka, Selangor, Perak, and Penang, would continue to develop and prosper without the involvement of extremists or elements promoting disunity.

The by-elections for the Pulai parliamentary seat and Simpang Jeram state seat were necessitated by the passing of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who held both seats simultaneously.

The campaign period for these by-elections will conclude at 11:59pm on Friday, September 8.