Fear not, PN won't rule Johor, Gerakan says in wooing Chinese voters

MAHKOTA BY-ELECTION | Amid concerns in the coalition government’s camp over Chinese voters, who comprise 30 percent of the electorate in the Mahkota state seat in Johor, Gerakan is hoping that their disgruntlement would power Perikatan Nasional across the finish line.

Support from the Chinese community would also help “move” Gerakan, whose political influence has remained static since their defeat in Penang in the 2008 general election.

Gerakan president Dominic Lau emphasised that a win for PN, which is dominated by the Islamic party PAS, would not translate into a change of government in the state where Pakatan Harapan and BN control 50 of the 56 seats in the legislative assembly.

He said having an additional opposition seat would allow for greater checks and balances.

“Even if we win in the Mahkota by-election, we will not become the government. So there is no reason to feel concerned or be apprehensive.

“In a democratic country, there must be opposition to monitor the government’s performance regardless of whether at the state or federal levels,” he told Harakahdaily.

Come out in droves

Lau urged Chinese voters to come out in droves on Sept 28 to cast their ballots for PN candidate Haizan Jaafar who is in a straight fight with BN’s Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah.

Conceding that it is difficult for PN to garner Chinese votes, the Gerakan president, however, claimed that the coalition delivers on its promises.

Lau also claimed that Chinese voters are confused because, during past elections, DAP had told them not to vote for BN.

“Now DAP is asking them to support BN and Umno. So there is confusion,” he said, adding that voters are questioning DAP’s principles.

Lau said although Harapan is in an alliance with Umno, their directions are not aligned due to the notable frictions.

DAP has been entrusted with the task of delivering the Chinese votes for the Umno Youth candidate but this is proving to be an arduous task.

There is discontent in the community over various issues related to Umno, especially its Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

Previously, Johor DAP vice-chairperson Teo Nie Ching said voters should not penalise hardworking leaders because of the actions of one or two individuals.

Similarly, Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi appealed to the Chinese community not to “punish” him over issues at the federal level.

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