BN confident of victory, targets over 40 seats to retain Johor, says Ahmad Maslan

JOHOR BAHRU, July 3 — Barisan Nasional (BN) is confident of winning the Johor polls and forming the next state government to ensure continuity in the state’s administration.

Johor Umno deputy liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said BN was on course to achieve its target of winning more than 40 of the 56 seats in the State Legislative Assembly.

He said his confidence was based on his observations and assessment after assisting campaign efforts in 25 of Johor’s 26 parliamentary constituencies.

“Personally, based on my conclusions, thoughts and analysis, BN is in a winning position,” he told Bernama in an interview. 

Ahmad, who is also Pontian Umno division chief, said the target was achievable based on encouraging voter response, the candidates’ campaign performance and the strength of the party machinery at the District Polling Centre (PDM) level.

He said throughout almost a week of campaigning, BN’s machinery had remained active from morning until night, carrying out various activities including house-to-house visits, voter data analysis, campaign simulations and operations room coordination.

“I am quite comfortable in Johor because I can see the strength and commitment of our machinery at the PDMs, which serve as our bases and operations rooms.

“From morning until night, there are always various activities taking place, whether going from house to house, analysing voter data, conducting dry runs or undertaking many other campaign activities,” he said.

Ahmad said BN’s campaign had also been strengthened by reinforcement teams from other states deployed throughout Johor to complement existing operations ahead of polling day on July 11, and these teams added value by bringing fresh perspectives, experience and new ideas to help win over voters.

“These reinforcement teams are special because they offer perspectives that differ from the usual approach. For example, in the Pontian parliamentary constituency, our reinforcement team is led by the Pahang Menteri Besar, who is also assisting in the Pulai Sebatang, Benut, Kukup and Pekan Nanas state constituencies.

“The perspectives brought by the team from Pahang have boosted our morale while providing fresh input and views based on experiences beyond our usual way of thinking,” he said, adding that he would remain fully focused on campaigning in Johor until polling day, particularly in areas regarded as BN priorities.

For the latest updates on the Johor polls, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/. — Bernama