Barisan Nasional’s (BN) sweeping victory in the Johor state election should not be taken as a definite indication that the coalition will secure a similar outcome in the 16th General Election (GE16), said Perak BN chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Saarani, who is also Perak Menteri Besar, said previous election results showed that voter sentiment could change quickly depending on various factors.
He pointed to BN’s victories in the Melaka state election in 2021 and Johor state election in 2022, which were followed by a different result in the previous general election.
While welcoming the strong support shown by Johor voters, Saarani stressed that BN must remain cautious and avoid becoming complacent after its latest victory.
“We cannot say that this is a sign of what will happen in GE16. Voters’ preferences can change, although we hope their support will continue,” he told reporters after presenting keys to homeowners of the Rumah Perakku Astana Chemor Phase 1 project.
He said public sentiment could be influenced by various issues, including the rising cost of living, flood concerns and other challenges that may emerge before the next general election.
Saarani was responding to questions on whether BN’s strong performance in Johor reflected a possible return of support for the coalition ahead of GE16.
In the Johor state election, BN secured a landslide victory by winning 48 out of the 56 state seats contested.
