No 'Green Wave' in Johor by-elections, says Umno veep

Umno vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin is confident the “Green Wave” that occurred during the six state elections recently will not happen during the by-elections in Johor this September.

He said this was because the opposition’s narrative during the state elections that the federal government would fall if the opposition was voted into power was proven to be untrue.

“That (fall of the federal government) is not possible, and that factor cannot be used for the by-elections,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after chairing a special meeting between BN and Pakatan Harapan at the Johor Umno building in Johor Bahru yesterday.

Khaled, who is also higher education minister said no matter the outcome of the by-elections, the federal government would remain in a comfortable position.

“Therefore, it is important for any party that contests to be able to work with the federal government as well as the state government so that the people are not left behind,” said Khaled who is also the Johor BN chairperson.

Asked to comment on Amanah’s chances of defending the Pulai parliamentary seat and the Simpang Jeram state seat, Khaled said he was confident the two seats would remain in the hands of the party, with solid cooperation between Harapan and BN.

Earlier, the special closed-door meeting which lasted for over an hour was also attended by Johor Harapan deputy chairperson Aminolhuda Hassan, Johor Amanah deputy chairperson Dzulkefly Ahmad, and Johor Umno Liaison Body secretary Abdul Halim Suleiman.

The Election Commission has set Aug 26 as the nomination day for the two by-elections, followed by early voting on Sept 5 and polling day on Sept 9.

The Pulai parliamentary seat and Simpang Jeram state seat fell vacant following the death of the incumbent, Salahuddin Ayub, on July 23.

- Bernama

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