Johor election is chance to align Putrajaya and the state, says Amanah

BATU PAHAT, July 2 — The 16th Johor state election provides the best platform for the people to demonstrate democratic maturity by aligning the state and federal administrations.

Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) deputy president Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof said Johor’s current political landscape is unique as Pakatan Harapan (PH) serves as the check and balance to the Barisan Nasional (BN)-led state government.

At the same time, however, PH and BN are strategic partners in the federal government, he said.

He said this unique arrangement represents a new political dynamic that could provide greater stability if voters give PH the mandate to work in tandem with the federal government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“This is the beauty of the democratic system practised in Malaysia, which gives its people broad freedoms, including the right to form political parties and make their own choices,” he said when speaking at the ‘Johor Ke Depan Undi Harapan’ roadshow here last night.

Also present was Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president and joint election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

Commenting on the diversity of parties contesting the state election, Mujahid said it reflected the strength of democratic practice in Malaysia.

However, he stressed that the key to Johor’s prosperity lies in more effective policy alignment between the state and federal governments to ensure the people’s welfare continues to be protected.

In this regard, he urged Johor voters to give PH the mandate to ensure that the state’s economic stability and prosperity are aligned with the federal government’s agenda.

A total of 172 candidates are contesting the Johor state election, with polling set for July 11, while early voting will take place on July 7. — Bernama