Zahid Welcomes PAS Supporters’ Votes for BN Candidates in Johor State Election
BATU PAHAT: Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has welcomed expressions of support from PAS members and supporters ahead of the Johor state election, saying the coalition hopes such backing will ultimately be reflected at the ballot box.
Speaking after launching BN’s election machinery for the Parit Yaani and Parit Raja state constituencies, Ahmad Zahid said the coalition remains open to receiving support from any voter who believes in maintaining political stability and continuing Johor’s development agenda.
His remarks came in response to recent comments by PAS Deputy President Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who reportedly encouraged Perikatan Nasional (PN) supporters to vote for BN candidates in constituencies where PN is not fielding candidates.
According to Ahmad Zahid, political statements are meaningful only if they are translated into actual voter support on polling day.
“If PAS supporters are prepared to support all 56 BN candidates contesting in the Johor election, we certainly welcome that.
“However, what matters most is that those statements are translated into votes when the people cast their ballots, rather than remaining merely political rhetoric,” he told reporters.
He added that BN is concentrating on strengthening its campaign machinery across all constituencies as the election campaign progresses.
The coalition, he said, is focusing on engaging directly with voters while presenting its plans for Johor’s continued economic growth, infrastructure development and public welfare.
Ahmad Zahid noted that every vote remains significant in determining the outcome of the election and the future administration of the state.
BN, he said, will continue reaching out to communities throughout Johor in an effort to secure a renewed mandate from the electorate.
Earlier reports stated that Tuan Ibrahim had urged PN supporters to back BN candidates in constituencies where PN is absent from the contest as part of a broader strategy to prevent Pakatan Harapan (PH) from winning those seats.
According to the PAS leader, priority should be given to defeating PH in areas where PN has chosen not to contest.
The statement has attracted considerable attention within Johor’s political landscape, with observers assessing its potential impact on voter behaviour in several constituencies.
The Johor state election features contests involving multiple political coalitions, each seeking sufficient public support to form the next state government.
With campaigning continuing across the state, political parties are expected to intensify their outreach efforts and policy messaging before voters head to polling stations to decide the composition of the new Johor legislative assembly.
As election day approaches, attention will remain focused on whether political endorsements and campaign narratives translate into measurable support at the ballot box, particularly in closely contested constituencies where every vote could influence the final outcome.
