KOTA KINABALU: Former Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Salleh Said Keruak suggested that the result of the upcoming Johor state election may hinge on five critical factors.
One major consideration, he noted, is whether PAS supporters will adhere to their party’s guidance to back Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in constituencies where PAS is not fielding candidates.
“The extent of this vote transfer could be crucial,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
Another factor is whether Parti Bersama could erode or divide Pakatan Harapan’s voter base in the seats it contests.
Even a minor shift in support, Salleh pointed out, might sway results in tightly contested areas.
He also highlighted the potential impact of Parti Wawasan, led by Hamzah Zainudin, which could undermine the traditional support for Perikatan Nasional (PN) and BERSATU—unless their core voters stay committed.
A fourth issue, according to Salleh, is which coalition or party will most effectively drive voter turnout, especially among youth, voters returning from out of town, and those still undecided.
Lastly, he raised the question of how much weight personal attacks will carry versus substantive concerns like the economy, cost of living, and political stability in shaping voter decisions.
Salleh emphasized that the answers to these questions could provide meaningful clues about the broader political dynamics ahead of the next general election.
Five Questions That Could Decide the Johor State Election
KOTA KINABALU: Former Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak opined that the outcome of the Johor State Election is likely to be influenced by five key questions that could shape the final result.
He said one of the key factors is that the likelihood of PAS supporters to follow the party’s directive to vote for BN candidates in constituencies where PAS is not contesting.
“The level of vote transfer could prove decisive,” he said in his Facebook post.
Salleh said the outcome could also be influenced by the possibility of Parti Bersama reducing or split Pakatan Harapan’s vote in the seats it contests.
“Even a small shift could influence closely fought constituencies,” he added.
The former Sabah Chief Minister said the the emergence of Parti Wawasan under Hamzah Zainudin could likely weaken the traditional support base of PN and BERSATU, unless their voters remain loyal.
“Another question is which party or coalition will be most successful in mobilising voter turnout, particularly among young voters, outstation voters returning home, and undecided voters?
“And how much influence will personal attacks have on voter behaviour compared with issues that matter most, such as the economy, the cost of living, and political stability?
According to Salleh, the answers to these five questions are likely to offer valuable insights into the political landscape ahead of the next General Election.
