KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Umno youth chief Mohd Hairi Md Shah has slammed Perikatan Nasional (PN) elections director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for allegedly attempting to sway public sentiment without outlining PN’s proposed initiatives for Johor.
Hairi also warned PN against manipulating the perception of voters without providing concrete solutions during the upcoming Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections in Johor.
“I find it perplexing that Sanusi is focused on shaping perceptions without clarifying PN’s agenda for Johor. I urge Sanusi not to become overly self-assured based on the party’s victories in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu. Let’s not bring this ‘loqlaq’ (lunacy) to Johor,” Hairi said in a statement.
He said the current situation demands continuity in driving the Maju Johor (Progress for Johor) agenda, rather than “experimental” approaches.
Hairi, who is also the assemblyman for Larkin, advised the Kedah menteri besar against exploiting sentiments or meddling with Johor’s royal institutions.
“While this by-election for a single Parliament seat and one state assembly might not provide PN with the chance to govern Johor, any aspiration to influence the state should be accompanied by a clear articulation of PN’s intended contributions,” he said.
“Johor possesses its own distinctive path. The people of Johor have their own unique identity, and its political landscape follows a trajectory that differs from other states.”
Hairi also urged a departure from excessive fixation on manipulating perceptions and instead encouraged a celebration of democratic engagement through innovative ideas and practical solutions.
Yesterday, Sanusi expressed confidence that the PN wave, which had resonated in multiple states during the recent state election, would be replicated in Johor.
He anticipated its emergence from Muar and its making its way to Johor Baru.
Sanusi added that the Simpang Jeram state assembly would act as the catalyst for the PN wave, eventually establishing a foothold in the state in the upcoming elections. – August 26, 2023