Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros has cautioned DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook against portraying the upcoming Johor state election as a confrontation between the federal and state governments.
He stressed that the election is part of the democratic process and that Barisan Nasional’s objective is to retain its mandate in Johor rather than challenge the federal administration.
According to Noor Azleen, the state polls should be viewed as a contest between political parties and not a conflict involving different levels of government.
“Loke should not create the perception that the Johor election is a battle between the federal and state governments. This is a democratic contest between parties, not a clash between administrations,” he said in a statement.
He added that if certain parties in Putrajaya choose to interpret the election as a reason to sideline Johor, it would reflect their own principles and values.
Noor Azleen also said Johoreans should be allowed to exercise their democratic rights freely without facing pressure or intimidation to support any particular political party.
The remarks come amid an ongoing exchange between Loke and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi following Barisan Nasional’s decision to contest the state election independently.
Onn Hafiz, who is also Johor Umno chief, had previously stated that he would rather relinquish the menteri besar post than work alongside DAP in the state government.
Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition’s campaigns for the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections would focus on policy proposals and solutions for voters rather than attacking political opponents.
The Umno president said party machinery at all levels had been instructed to concentrate on addressing public concerns and presenting plans that would benefit the people.
“As much as possible, we will not attack anyone. We will only respond if attacked,” he said.
Johor and Negeri Sembilan are scheduled to hold their state elections on July 11 and Aug 1 respectively.
