KUALA LUMPUR – Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has credited his predecessor Datuk Seri Najib Razak for the coalition’s landslide victory in Johor last night in a rousing speech before hundreds of clamorous supporters.
Speaking at the coalition’s command centre in Johor Baru, Zahid described Najib as the unofficial campaign manager.
“In this opportunity, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our campaign manager,” he said close to midnight.
“Although officially Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan is the election director and Datuk Hasni Mohammad is the chief coordinator for the election, our main campaign manager was Najib.”
Najib, who was on stage with Zahid and other party leaders, was then seen waving to the crowd who were chanting for him.
Also on stage was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who looked oddly out of place.
Zahid said despite being “attacked and slandered” by his opponents, Najib remained steadfast and showed extraordinary resilience in facing them.
“This huge victory is a gift for bossku.”
While no longer holding any senior position in his party Umno, Najib was seen as playing a pivotal role during the campaign period in Johor as he assisted party candidates during their campaign trails.
Najib’s attendance in several events in the state saw a huge presence of supporters greeting and embracing him.
BN captured Johor with a two-third majority, winning a staggering 40 of the 56 seats on offer.
Zahid said BN’s massive win is also a gift to all Johoreans who have given their trust to the party, adding that the result was beyond expectation.
The Umno president also confirmed that Hasni, who led the state prior to the dissolution of the assembly, will continue to lead Johor as the menteri besar.
“God willing, whatever that was promised will be implemented in Johor. The central leadership will continue to help Hasni in fulfilling all the election promises we made as soon as possible.”
Najib’s our picture boy: Hasni
Johor Umno chief Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad has shared the victory credit with Najib, saying: “If I was the poster boy, Najib is our picture boy.”
He added in the same press conference that BN’s win is a sign that Malaysians want political stability for the future of the nation as Johor voters have grown tired of economic and political struggles.
“With this BN state government, I promise to develop the economy, defend the weak and empower the youth.
“God willing, our manifesto will be implemented in stages starting with the 2023 state budget. Those who supported BN and those who didn’t, let’s make Johor better.”
As of 12.17am, according to official Election Commission results, BN won 40 out of the 56 seats ensuring a landslide victory with a two thirds majority to govern Johor. – The Vibes, March 13, 2022 – The Vibes, March 13, 2022
Additional reporting by Arjun Mohanakrishnan
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