Johor voters lament lack of jobs, closed border with Singapore

JOHOR BARU – Voters in Johor will soon see Warisan, Pejuang, and Muda for the first time on their ballot papers, but generally remain sceptical over their participation in the upcoming state election.

Locals here are apparently worried that political parties will make promises in the lead-up to the state polls on March 12, which they cannot keep if they end up in power.

Muhammad Azri Yahya, a 30-year-old voter who works with Tenaga Nasional Bhd, said that unemployment is among the issues of concern for young voters in Johor.

He mentioned that the youth, even fresh graduates, have a tough time securing work.

This, he says, may be why many young people are disinterested in politics and have no faith in politicians.

“For me, if there are many political parties during the election, they have to keep their promises.

“Many of the young people here already don’t care about politics and have distrust towards the politicians,” Azri said when met by The Vibes at Puteri Harbour here.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Dinie Farhan and Elya Ashiqin shared those sentiments while adding that they welcomed the additional alternative parties in the polls.

“The new parties, they are trying to enter the political scene here. Like Muda, they are trying to get the young electorate on their side.

“Maybe it is because the youth don’t trust conventional parties,” Dinie said.

However, Elya pointed out that while Muda’s activists have proven themselves with initiatives such as flood relief and providing digital equipment for online learning, they have not proven themselves when it comes to Johor’s administration.

She said although the state government here is not unstable, there is a need to enable young leaders to rise within it.

“The Johor government is okay, we don’t hear much about political feuds here, unlike in Putrajaya,” Elya said.

“But I guess it is also time to give young leaders a chance,” Elya said.

Reopening of JB-Singapore border crucial for economy

The reopening of the Malaysia-Singapore border will be a point of contention during this election period in Johor.

So far, Perikatan Nasional and Muda have both expressed the view that reopening the border is crucial to revitalising Johor’s economy.

Muhammad Dhamien Haikal, 19, said that before the closure of the border, Singaporeans travelling back and forth would end up splurging money in Johor.

Now, he said, with the border’s closure, local businesses are seeing fewer commercial activities.

For Mariana Mat Isa who is married to a Singaporean, it is important to open borders just to reconnect families.

“With Covid-19 still spreading, I don’t think the border should open for tourism,” she opined.

“But for work and reconnecting families, I think it can be done.

“There are times when Johoreans go to Singapore for a year, and miss crucial moments like their baby’s first steps,” Mariana said.

Not the right time for elections

With the country’s daily Covid-19 cases already exceeding 27,000, voters are of the view that it may not be the right time to hold an election in Johor.

Elya explained that while she is excited to head to the polls, she is worried the election may result in a cluster that could disrupt upcoming Hari Raya celebrations.

“I feel like the state government could have waited before holding the elections or at least come up with some alternatives where we don’t have to physically go into polling stations.

“Going out to vote seems risky, especially with daily infections rising,” Elya said.

Meanwhile, Azri emphasised that since the election is going to take place anyway, it is crucial for authorities to put in place strict SOPs.

“I will be going into the ballot box, but of course I am worried about the pandemic.

“I think with the situation now, there must be strict SOPs in place and voters must follow suit,” Azri said. – The Vibes, February 22, 2022