Don’t make state polls a Johor vs Putrajaya affair, Loke told

PETALING JAYA: Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros has warned DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook against making the upcoming state election appear to be a battle between the federal and Johor governments.

Noor Azleen maintained that the state polls are part of the democratic process and that Barisan Nasional’s intention is simply to defend its state administration, not topple the federal government.

“Loke should not play up sentiments that the Johor polls is a clash between the federal and state governments. This is a contest between political parties in a democratic system, not a conflict between two levels of government.

“If some in Putrajaya choose to interpret this democratic contest as an excuse to sideline Johor, then that is a reflection of their values and principles,” he said in a statement.

Noor Azleen added that the people of Johor deserved to cast their ballots without being threatened or pressured into voting for a particular party.

Loke and Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi have traded barbs following BN’s decision to go solo in the Johor state election. The Johor Umno chief was reported to have said that he would rather not hold the menteri besar’s post than work with DAP in the state government.

BN to focus on policies, not attacking rivals

Separately, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition’s Johor and Negeri Sembilan state election campaigns will focus on the policies it plans to introduce, and will not be a platform to attack its rivals.

The Umno president said BN’s machinery at all levels has been told to focus on coming up with solutions to resolving the issues that voters face.

“As much as possible, we will not attack anyone. We will only respond if attacked,” he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.

Johor and Negeri Sembilan will hold their state legislative elections on July 11 and Aug 1, respectively.