Johor BN charts coalition’s future in first state convention

The first Johor BN convention held today passed five resolutions to chart the chapter’s future, leading towards the next state polls and 16th general elections. 

A total of 1,000 members from Umno, MCA and MIC discussed the resolutions - with the attendance of Johor BN chief Onn Hafiz Ghazi, also the state menteri besar; MCA chief Wee Ka Siong, who is also Johor MCA chief; and Johor MIC chief R Vidyanathan - at Persada Johor in the state capital.

In his opening speech, Onn credited BN leaders for their contributions towards the formation of his administration with a two-thirds majority in the 2022 state election, winning 40 out of 56 seats, from only 19 seats in 2018.

He also read out the five resolutions - to strengthen solidarity among BN components and Friends of BN; foster closer ties with the unity government; strengthen efforts towards the 16th general election; raise the agenda of Bangsa Johor education; and develop Johor’s economy.

“The increasingly challenging political landscape demands Johor BN to strengthen our strategies - physically or through social media. 

“The mastery of new technology including artificial intelligence is the key to GE16 victory,” he said on the resolution for efforts towards the next general election due by 2027.

Onn also cited Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh and Duyong assemblyperson Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem as being among the party’s elected representatives who have effectively used social media to connect with their supporters.

Wee in his speech noted MCA’s progress in Johor since 2018 - when he was the party’s sole representative in Parliament from the state - up until the last state election, followed by Onn’s administration.

“I can see that in this past year or so, we have managed our success well,” he said.

Vidyanathan, who is also Kahang assemblyperson, said the gathering of BN leaders and members today was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the coalition’s survival.

He also urged party leaders and elected representatives to view issues affecting Indian voters not from a racial lens but rather common issues to be resolved for the benefit of all.

BN secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir later accepted the resolutions from Onn.

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