DAP Johor is preparing for all possible scenarios ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16), including any developments involving the political relationship between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN).
Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching said the party would not rely solely on its position based on the results of the 15th General Election (GE15), but would instead focus on strengthening public support and defending its parliamentary seats.
“We will do our best to defend our seats. DAP itself will do everything possible to prepare for the next general election and we are ready to face any kind of situation,” she said when met on Friday.
In GE15, Johor DAP won five parliamentary constituencies, namely Labis, Kluang, Iskandar Puteri, Kulai and Bakri.
However, an analysis of GE15 results showed that 13 of Johor’s 14 parliamentary seats were in the red or yellow zones when PH’s total votes were compared with the combined support secured by BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN).
The development comes amid growing discussion over the possibility of BN and PN reaching an understanding to avoid three-cornered contests in GE16. Such an arrangement could create a tougher electoral challenge for PH in several constituencies.
On Friday, Sinar Harian reported that PH could risk losing 27 parliamentary seats, including Tambun, which is held by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, if BN and PN reach a one-on-one electoral understanding in GE16.
Senior lecturer at Universiti Malaya’s Department of Political Science, Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub, said GE15 voting figures showed that the combined votes secured by BN and PN mathematically exceeded PH’s votes in the constituencies identified.
Besides Tambun, the seats highlighted included Sungai Petani, Balik Pulau, Sungai Siput, Tanjong Malim, Bentong, Raub, Kuala Selangor, Gombak, Hulu Langat, Sungai Buloh, Shah Alam, Sepang, Lembah Pantai, Bandar Tun Razak, Setiawangsa, Alor Gajah and Hang Tuah Jaya.
The analysis also included several Johor constituencies such as Sekijang, Ledang, Sri Gading, Johor Bahru, Labis, Segamat, Batu Pahat, Pasir Gudang and Tebrau, underlining the competitive landscape DAP and PH could face when GE16 arrives.
