SHAH ALAM – Barisan Nasional’s (BN) success in retaining power in Johor with a bigger increase in seats in this Johor State Election (PRN) was driven by several key factors, among them strong candidates and a well-organised machinery.
Political analyst from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) Dr Hussain Yusri Zawawi said other factors contributing to BN’s winning formula included a campaign strategy that resonated more closely with the people’s lives and administrative experience.
“These unofficial results reflect a major win for BN in convincing the majority of Johor voters of its ability to lead the state administration.
“BN’s dominance in these early results also suggests that most Johor voters may have prioritised political stability, continuity of development and administrative capability over sweeping political change,” he told Sinar Ahad.
Hussain Yusri said that as a state with strategic economic interests particularly in investment, industry and trade relations, the issue of stability appeared to be an important consideration for voters in staying with BN.
He said BN’s landslide win not only gave it the mandate to form the state government but also brought a heavy responsibility to prove that this public support could be translated into effective administration.
“Voters will judge how far the elected government can meet expectations related to the people’s economy, job opportunities, cost of living, rural development and public wellbeing,” he said.
He added that the unofficial PRN Johor results also carried a strong political message from Johor voters.