JOHOR BAHRU - Discontented voters are urging political candidates to stop debating national figures and instead focus on solving immediate local grievances as campaigning for the 16th Johor state election enters its final hours.
The public call on Friday, July 10, follows an intense wave of criticism across social media platforms over campaign speeches heavily centered on federal controversies involving figures such as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Residents argue that because the state election determines the local administration rather than the federal parliament, discussions should focus squarely on regional issues.
Daily struggles such as traffic congestion, cross-border employment, public infrastructure, and the rising cost of living remain the primary concerns for the electorate ahead of tomorrow's vote on July 11.
Local trader Md Yunos Ismail, 52, stressed that candidates must prioritise state issues because municipal changes directly affect the daily livelihood of Johoreans.
"If possible, candidates have to talk about state issues because changes have to happen locally first before we can talk about national issues.
"We as voters are carrying out our responsibility to vote, so whoever wins must make sure they carry out their duties properly," he told Sinar Daily.
Veteran taxi driver Selvarajoo Subramaniam, 74, emphasised that the state government needs to establish viable employment solutions to prevent young talent from migrating across the Causeway to Singapore. He also noted that infrastructural gridlock has made commuting unbearable.
"The candidates and leaders have to discuss state issues first instead of national issues because this is a state election," Selvarajoo said.
"There are very few job opportunities in Johor Bahru. Many young people prefer working in the neighbouring country because the opportunities are better there.
"Candidates should focus on solving that and bring good solutions for Johoreans," he said. "I am a taxi driver and the traffic is very bad. Travelling during the morning can take up to two hours. They should discuss how to improve infrastructure and reduce traffic jams."
Bus driver Shamsudin Musa, 36, echoed the sentiment, noting that the political focus has been heavily misplaced throughout the campaign period.
"They have to discuss more state issues because this is a state election, not a general election.
"The cost of living is one of the issues that should be talked about more," he said.
Approximately 2.7 million registered voters will cast their ballots tomorrow to elect 56 state assemblymen, with the public making it clear that local performance will outweigh national political rhetoric at the ballot box.