KUALA LUMPUR – The current political scenario in Kedah does not necessitate fresh polls, unlike the situation in Melaka and Johor, said Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Barisan Nasional (BN) number two was quoted by several media outlets as saying that matters concerning elections should not be treated lightly, and that serious consideration must be given before calling for a contest.
“This is not something we can do, unless there is a need to hold an election,” he told reporters after attending MCA’s Chinese New Year celebration, today.
“For me, I don’t see a need to do so now (in Kedah).”
Drawing a comparison to the Melaka election held in November, Mohamad – fondly known as Tok Mat – said the poll was triggered because four assemblymen had withdrawn support for the state government.
He also distanced himself from any possibility that the Kedah assembly might be dissolved in the near future, saying he is not directly involved in the state’s matters.
“I don’t know the situation in Kedah. I am in the headquarters. If anything were to happen in Kedah, don’t blame me.
“But at the moment, I have not heard anything of that sort yet,” he said.
PAS currently controls the state with 15 seats, and is backed by Bersatu (six) and Umno (two). The opposition is made up of Pakatan Harapan (11) and Pejuang (two).
Speculations of Kedah possibly heading to the polls surfaced after rumours alleged that two Umno assemblymen from the state intended to withdraw support for PAS Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Sanusi, however, denied his administration is under threat, while one of the two Umno assemblymen, Datuk Norsabrina Mohd Noor was also quoted as having panned the rumours.
Touching on the upcoming Johor polls, Mohamad has urged BN not to rest on its laurels following the coalition’s landslide victory in Melaka, saying that different strategies will be needed in order to return to power in the southern state.
“It will be wrong for us to assume that we will win big in Johor because of our comfortable victory in Melaka.
“We need to strategise, including on seat distributions among BN components.”
Mohamad said the allocation of seats will be finalised by BN’s Supreme Council soon and confirmed that the coalition will contest in all 56 constituencies.
Johor is gearing up for a state election after Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar assented to the dissolution of the assembly, following an audience with then-Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad.
The Election Commission will be meeting on February 9 to finalise key dates pertaining to the Johor polls, with a press conference scheduled later. – The Vibes, February 1, 2022
