(Decorative Picture)
KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional’s Johor leadership is set to meet today amid concerns over a recent internal assessment predicting the coalition may win just 35 out of 56 state seats in the upcoming election.
As reported by FMT, a party figure revealed that BN had aimed to capture between 40 and 42 seats.
However, he noted, “the latest findings indicate we might only achieve 35.”
The primary goal of the meeting, he added, will be to strategize ways to boost support and surpass the 40-seat threshold.
The discussion is expected to focus on strengthening outreach to Indian and Chinese voters in urban constituencies, where support appears to be shifting toward Pakatan Harapan and Bersama.
“We’ll need to reassess after nomination day. Our main concern right now is the urban seats,” said the source, who chose to remain unnamed.
He also admitted that lingering public concern over corruption, particularly linked to the 1MDB scandal, continues to affect voter sentiment in cities.
“Urban voters are still sensitive about corruption,” he said, while pointing out there are no known corruption cases involving BN Johor leaders.
In response to accusations of racism against Johor BN chief Onn Hafiz Ghazi—sparked by claims he would rather not be chief minister than share a table with DAP—he rejected the allegations.
He cited the appointment of over 150 Chinese individuals to city and municipal councils, 20 to 30 Chinese community representatives, around 50 Indians to local councils, and 10 Indian community leaders as evidence of inclusivity.
“Additionally, we’ve been actively engaging the Indian community and addressing issues like unauthorized Hindu temples. Given all this, how can anyone label BN as racist?” he asked
