Voters in Johor have been urged to give Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidates the opportunity to prove that their election manifesto is more than just a “copy and paste” document, as alleged by political rivals.
Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the promises unveiled by PH were carefully prepared after listening to the concerns and struggles faced by the people. He stressed that the commitments would only become reality if the coalition is given the mandate to govern after the Johor state election.
Speaking to reporters after the Jelajah Johor Dengan Bang Mat programme in Rengit on Monday, Mohamad explained that the manifesto was crafted through extensive engagement with the public. According to him, PH spent considerable time meeting residents, hearing their grievances and identifying practical solutions to address the issues affecting their daily lives.
He acknowledged that anyone could produce a manifesto, but insisted that the true test lies in carrying out the promises made. Mohamad, who is also the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, pledged that PH would begin implementing its commitments immediately if victorious in the state polls.
“God willing, if we win the Johor state election, we will start carrying out the manifesto as early as 12 July. We will ensure the plans are put into action,” he said.
Mohamad also pointed to what he described as a noticeable shift in public sentiment during the campaign, particularly in rural areas. He recalled that during the 2018 election, PH leaders were hesitant about campaigning in villages across Johor, but said the atmosphere has changed significantly.
“Today, wherever we go—whether at markets or other public places—people approach us, greet us and even ask to take photographs with us,” he said, adding that the coalition has been receiving increasingly positive support from rural voters.
Johor heads to the polls on 11 July, while members of the security forces will cast their votes during the early voting process scheduled for Tuesday.
