‘Think wisely, Johoreans’: A vote for BN could mean a vote for PAS, says PKR sec-gen

JOHOR BAHRU, June 29 — Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Salleh today said Johoreans should keep in mind that voting for Umno-Barisan Nasional (BN) in the upcoming state election could also translate into support for Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS).

She said there appeared to be some form of movement towards cooperation between PAS and BN in the Johor state election, following PAS’ call for its supporters to back Umno-BN candidates in constituencies not contested by Perikatan Nasional (PN).

“This is a main factor for Johoreans to consider, especially the type of government that they want, when casting their votes on polling day.

“Johor voters need to think wisely. A vote for BN is also a vote for PAS and a vote for PAS, they will get BN,” she told reporters after a working visit to the SDS Food Manufacturing Sdn Bhd factory in Jalan Kempas Lama here today.

Fuziah attended the event in her capacity as the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living deputy minister.

Also present was Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo.

Fuziah said PAS’ move reflected divisions within PN, which she said would benefit Pakatan Harapan (PH).

“This is the reason why I see PN, PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) splitting internally, even though they are apparently in the same coalition.

“I see that BN is also facing the same thing (conflict within the coalition). So, this actually gives an advantage to PH,” she said.

Fuziah declined to comment on speculation that PH’s Puteri Wangsa candidate Maszlee Malik could be the coalition’s Johor menteri besar designate if it wins the state election.

She said PH would not make such an announcement in Johor, as the menteri besar designate does not necessarily have to be the person chosen by the party.

“So, we don’t need to announce it. The important thing is that the candidate’s performance is good,” she said.

Maszlee, a former education minister, had previously been linked to being PH’s potential “poster boy” in the Johor state election

However, PH communications director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said no official decision or announcement had been made on the matter.