Johor polls: Teo concedes defeat, Zambry says voters backed stability under Zahid's leadership

Johor DAP conceded defeat in yesterday's state election and congratulated BN on its massive victory.

State DAP chairperson Teo Nie Ching said that her party respected the people’s decision and thanked supporters who came out to vote.

“With humility, DAP accepts this outcome and respects the choice made by the people of Johor. We congratulate BN on their victory.

“We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the voters who turned out to cast their ballots. DAP deeply appreciates all the support given.

“There are certainly shortcomings and weaknesses that we need to address. This result undoubtedly sends a message that we must do better,” Teo said in a statement today.

Elaborating, the deputy communications minister stated that BN’s victories in Johor Jaya and Perling were aided by a shift in votes that Perikatan Nasional secured in the 2022 state election, allowing BN to win the seats Pakatan Harapan previously held.

Consequently, despite an increase in vote share for Harapan in both constituencies, it was not enough to secure victories for the coalition’s candidates.

“We will examine the factors contributing to our defeats in the Jementah and Tangkak constituencies, as well as other contested seats, to learn from this experience and rectify our weaknesses.

“We will also ensure that our efforts to build the nation and champion the people’s rights continue,” Teo added.

In the Johor polls which concluded yesterday, BN retained its hold of the state by winning 48 seats, adding eight more seats compared to the last state election in March 2022.

READ MORE: Johor polls: MCA trumps DAP, Bersama loses deposits but deals damage, PN wiped out

Harapan, which now makes up the only opposition in Johor, won eight seats, down from the 12 it held previously.

The other major coalition, PN, was wiped out from all three seats it once held.

‘Greater responsibility begins’

BN secretary-general Zambry Abd Kadir reminded the coalition’s elected representatives that the victory achieved yesterday marks the beginning of a greater responsibility.

He also reminded the assemblypersons elected to serve with humility, engage closely with the people and work tirelessly to ensure the state continues to progress and achieve greater success.

“BN extends its deepest gratitude to Allah SWT and appreciation to all voters in Johor who granted a resounding mandate to the coalition in the 16th Johor state election, enabling (us) to form the state government with a more than two-thirds majority.

“This mandate represents more than just a political victory (as) it is a significant trust placed in us by the people, who desire a government that is stable, credible and capable of continuing the state’s development agenda.

“Under the leadership of BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the collective strength of component parties and ‘Friends of BN’ was successfully united, the election machinery was fortified at all levels, and we emerged as a coalition offering stability, moderation and solutions to the people.

“Appreciation is also extended to Johor BN chairperson, Onn Hafiz Ghazi, who led the coalition machinery with unwavering dedication,” said the higher education minister in a statement today.

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