An Umno lawmaker is wondering about the efficacy of an election strategy when it is publicised ahead of the contest.

BN Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) president Shahrir Samad was responding to a Johor PKR leader who revealed Pakatan Harapan's plan regarding the southern state, which is considered a BN stronghold.

Shahrir said Umno and BN have their own strategies, but preferred to work on them in a quiet manner.

“Strategies are supposed to be confidential, there would be an element of surprise...

“But they (the opposition) reveal it to the press, make statements. I don't know what kind of strategy this is.

“We (BN) work quietly. We don't talk much. We work, and arrange (the strategies). We implement them quietly,” he was quoted as saying by the BNBBC portal.

Over the weekend, Johor PKR deputy chairperson Jimmy Puah Wee Tsee said Pakatan Harapan would be fielding high-profile candidates for parliament seats and local leaders who have been active on the ground for state seats.

'Old tactic'

He was also reported as stating that Pakatan Harapan has identified seven parliament constituencies which are Pasir Gudang, Labis, Tebrau, Segamat, Ledang, Pulai and Muar.

Puah stated that the list of candidates for the next general election has been submitted and awaiting the decision of the leadership.

However, Shahrir was not impressed, claiming it was an old tactic and welcomed whoever who wished to contest in the state.

The Johor Baru MP said Umno and BN are confident the people would exercise their wisdom in choosing candidates based on their track record.

“Nothing new, but we welcome all politicians who are interested to come to Johor. Everyone says Johor would fall, and they would win.

“Even (former Umno vice-president) Shafie Apdal also said (the opposition) would win in Johor,” he added.