M Santhananaban
In less than a fortnight, Johor will go to the polls.
The state has 2.7 million registered voters. They will choose 56 state assembly members from a field of 172 candidates.
The two main coalitions, Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, are partners in the federal “unity government”. But in Johor, BN and PH are standing against each other in all 56 seats. This sets the tone for what could be the state’s most fiercely fought election yet.
Pas is contesting under the Perikatan Nasional banner. PN has fielded candidates in 33 of the 56 seats, including a small number of candidates from ethnic minorities. Pas itself is standing in 11 of those seats. Bersatu is contesting in 16 seats, technically also under the PN banner.
But Pas has terminated its political cooperation with Bersatu. Yet Pas’ youth wing chief has now called on Pas members to back Bersatu candidates to prevent victories for PH, especially the DAP.
Where Pas is not contesting, its deputy president had earlier asked voters to back Umno instead. This informal arrangement between the two parties is worth watching. It may hint at how Pas positions itself if the next general election produces a hung parliament.
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A new contender
Entering the fray is the rebranded party, Bersama, fielding 15 relatively young candidates. It shows no sign of seeking ties with any other coalition.
Bersama looks set to stay an independent, integrity-driven force. It remains openly wary of bigger coalitions of convenience.
Johor’s potential
Johor sits next to Singapore, arguably the world’s most successful ‘smart state’. The island republic has woven accountability, good governance, innovation, law enforcement, technology and transparency into a management system few can match.
Johor has long produced some of the country’s most respected leaders. They include Onn Jaafar, Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, Hussein Onn and the entrepreneur Robert Kuok.
Given its closeness to Singapore, Johor should aim higher than its role as a transit point. It could become a hub for culture, education, news, healthcare, agriculture, fisheries and technology-driven investment.
Let us hope Johor reaches new heights after 11 July, with strong and inclusive democratic credentials to match.
Dato’ M Santhananaban is a former Malaysian ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.
The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
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