Muhyiddin concedes PN may not form Johor govt

BATU PAHAT: Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has acknowledged that Perikatan Nasional (PN) may not be able to form the state government in Johor, but says the coalition hopes to win enough seats to provide effective checks and balances.

He said a strong opposition presence in the state legislative assembly was essential to ensure proper scrutiny of government policies and spending.

“Even if we are unable to form the government, we still need enough seats so that we can serve as the opposition and carry out checks and balances.

“The state government cannot do as it pleases. It must explain how Johor’s funds are spent and be held accountable in the state assembly,” he said at the Bersatu Demi Johor rally in Parit Raja last night.

Muhyiddin said voters should use the state election to choose representatives capable of benefiting the state while ensuring that the government remains accountable.

He said the rising cost of living was still one of the biggest challenges facing Malaysians and deserved serious attention from the government.

“Many people are still struggling to make ends meet. Their incomes are no longer keeping pace with the rising cost of living and increasing prices of goods.

“That is why voters need to elect representatives who can truly bring about change and fight for their interests,” the Pagoh MP said.

The Parit Raja state seat sees a three-cornered contest involving PN’s Maliki Rapiee, Barisan Nasional’s Nor Rashidah Ramli and Pakatan Harapan’s Shazwan Zdainal.

Polling for the state election is set for July 11, while early voting took place yesterday.