Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin has acknowledged that the coalition may not secure enough seats to form the next Johor state government, but said winning a sizeable presence in the State Legislative Assembly remains crucial to provide effective checks and balances.
Speaking at the Bersatu Demi Johor rally in Parit Raja on Wednesday night, Muhyiddin urged voters to support PN candidates so the coalition could hold the government accountable, even if it ends up sitting on the opposition bench.
“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,” he was quoted as saying.
The Pagoh MP stressed that any state administration must remain answerable to the people, particularly over how public funds are spent, and should not be allowed to operate without proper scrutiny.
Muhyiddin said voters should use the Johor state election to elect representatives who would not only champion the interests of the people but also ensure transparency and accountability in the running of the state government.
He also highlighted the rising cost of living as one of the biggest concerns facing Malaysians, saying many families are finding it increasingly difficult to cope as wages fail to keep pace with the rising prices of goods and everyday expenses.
“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,” he said.
The Parit Raja state constituency is witnessing a three-cornered contest involving PN candidate Maliki Rapiee, Barisan Nasional’s Nor Rashidah Ramli and Pakatan Harapan’s Shazwan Zdainal.
Johor voters will head to the polls on 11 July, following the completion of early voting on Wednesday.
