Johor Bersatu deputy chief Rashid Hasnon remains unfazed by PAS’ decision not to deploy its machinery to assist Perikatan Nasional (PN) campaigning in the Senggarang seat ahead of the July 11 state election.
The former Batu Pahat MP said the absence of PAS support would not disrupt his campaign efforts, stressing that PN’s election machinery is not solely dependent on any single party. He added that support from other coalition partners, including Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party, continues to strengthen his campaign trail.
Rashid also expressed confidence that voters who previously supported him would continue to do so, pointing to his long-standing relationship with grassroots communities in Senggarang. In his view, personal engagement with constituents remains a key factor in securing support on the ground.
Addressing concerns over internal coalition dynamics, he downplayed the presence of two PAS divisional leaders at a Barisan Nasional (BN) event in Batu Pahat recently. He said the attendance did not represent the stance of the wider PAS membership, particularly in Senggarang, noting that the event was held outside the state constituency.
According to him, political participation by individuals should not be mistaken for an official party position, adding that he does not see PAS members in Senggarang shifting their support towards BN.
PN components Bersatu and PAS are contesting separately in terms of campaign support, despite remaining coalition partners. Bersatu is contesting 16 of the 33 seats under PN in Johor, while PAS is fielding 11 candidates.
Rashid is set for a three-cornered fight in Senggarang, going up against Pakatan Harapan candidate and current Batu Pahat MP Onn Abu Bakar, as well as Barisan Nasional’s Yusla Ismail, the former assemblyman for the seat.
In the previous state election in 2022, Yusla secured the seat with a 3,912-vote majority.
