BN chairman Zahid says coalition’s victory is a gift to Johoreans

JOHOR BARU, March 13 — Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described the coalition’s landslide victory in the Johor state election as an unexpected result. 

He said BN has won the trust of voters to lead the Johor government once more.

“However, I want to remind the party to not be arrogant following the result.

“BN’s victory is a gift to all Johoreans who in turn gave us their support. I hope it will continue in the upcoming general election,” said Ahmad Zahid in his speech at the BN state election command centre along Jalan Yahya Awal here last night.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said that he will endorse Johor BN chief Datuk Hasni Mohammad as the next mentri besar and present his name to Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar for his consent.

“Insya Allah (God willing), after receiving Sultan Ibrahim’s consent, Hasni will carry on with his duties as the Johor mentri besar.

“With that, BN will continue to give its support to Hasni in carrying out the coalition’s pledges in the ‘Ikhtiar BN Johor’ for the people,” he added.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi speak to reporters at the press conference at the Barisan Nasional command center in the Johor Umno Liaison Hall, Johor Baru March 12, 2022. — Picture by Hari Anggara

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Bagan Datuk MP, thanked BN leaders including component party presidents, such as MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong and MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran for their support.

He also acknowledged the contribution of BN Advisory Board Chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was the coalition’s campaign manager for the state election.

Meanwhile, BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the coalition’s comfortable win will ensure Johoreans’ peace and harmony for the next five years.

“With the help of all, we managed to get back Johor from Pakatan Harapan (PH) that won in the 14th general election (GE14),” he said.

Earlier, BN secured Johor with a super-majority, making a stunning comeback after being punished by voters in GE14.

BN, led by lynchpin Umno, won 40 seats in the 56-seat state assembly after just over half of Johor’s eligible voters cast their ballots.

This gave the coalition a two-thirds majority in the state legislative assembly.