WITH the Johor state election set exactly one month away, a veteran DAP leader urged his party’s leadership not to take anything for granted and come up with new ways to increase chances of winning.
“The results from the Melaka and Sarawak state elections are grim reminders that we cannot afford to be in the denial mode. The Johor state election results will impact the next general election.
“Bear in mind that the voters are upbeat over UMNO, not Pakatan Harapan or DAP per se,” DAP central executive committee member Ronnie Liu told FocusM.
On Jan 9, the Election Commission (EC) announced that the Johor state election will take place on March 12, with the nomination day falling on Feb 26.
The state election is a historic moment for Malaysia as this would be the first time in the nation’s history where those 18 years of age and above would be allowed to vote.
Previously, only those aged 21 and above were eligible to cast their ballots.
Ever since the state legislative assembly was dissolved, open war has been declared among allies in Putrajaya, with UMNO-Barisan Nasional being at loggerheads with Perikatan Nasional (Perikatan).
Touching on the matter, Liu reminded his party colleagues that Johor was the birthplace of UMNO and MCA, adding it would be reckless for the DAP to think that the polls will be a walk in the park for the latter.
He added that Johor was never that accommodating towards DAP, until party veterans like Johor DAP state committee member Dr Boo Cheng Hau made a breakthrough in 2008.
“But for Johor-born leaders like Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng, Tony Pua, Teo Nie Ching and Yeo Bee Yin, their fortunes seem to lie in states like Perak, Selangor and Penang,” Liu opined.
Avoid moving incumbents elsewhere
Offering solutions, the Sungai Pelek state assemblyman urged DAP leaders to close ranks and select the best person who will have a shot in winning the seats contested, instead of choosing the best crony for the place.
“Give the challenging scenario, DAP should be focused and look into the best ways to deter a total loss in the polls.
“So, avoid dropping performing state assemblypersons or transferring them to ‘another safe seat’, and place a newbie in the existing seat.
“And bring back old guards who are still able to contribute to the party and their constituencies, as they have done before,” Liu stressed.
He remarked: “This is also time for us to strengthen our cooperation with PKR and Parti Amanah Negara, in addition to forming strategic alliances with other like-minded political groups.” – Feb 12, 2022.
