SHAH ALAM – Although election manifestos remain the official documents outlining a party's direction, they have lost much of their influence in shaping voter support during the ongoing Johor state election campaign.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) political analyst Associate Professor Dr Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said voters are now more inclined to assess a party and its candidates' ability to deliver on their promises through effective implementation.
He said political stability, candidates' track records and their ability to address economic issues now carry greater weight than populist manifesto pledges.
"Manifestos are no longer regarded by the majority of the public and voters as the most important factor or the ultimate determinant in election decisions.
"Voters now judge the credibility of implementation rather than empty promises.
"While manifestos remain the official documents outlining a party's direction, their influence has shifted in a more pragmatic way. Instead of being political promises designed to attract votes, they now serve as a benchmark to assess how serious a political coalition is about governing the state," he told Sinar on Sunday.
However, Syahruddin said with the evolving political landscape, manifestos are now viewed more as supplementary documents or secondary factors.
"Current sentiment in a particular area, the level of cohesion within a coalition's election machinery, as well as local issues that are unique and closely related to voters' daily lives, are the key factors influencing voting decisions," he said.
He also believes that every party contesting the Johor polls should present manifestos that are more realistic and centred on the needs of the state's people.
"Issues such as the cost of living, quality employment opportunities, district-based infrastructure development, welfare for vulnerable groups and youth development agendas should be prioritised," he said.
He added that Johor's position bordering Singapore requires concrete proposals to strengthen the local job market, reduce the migration of skilled workers to the neighbouring country and expand the supply of affordable housing.
"In my view, every political coalition should avoid identity politics and excessive or unrealistic political promises.
“Instead, they should focus on a consistent and practical post-pandemic economic recovery," he said.