SHAH ALAM, July 11 — Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) is committed to carrying out its responsibility as a constructive opposition in the Johor State Legislative Assembly after the coalition failed to secure victory in the 16th Johor state election.
Johor Harapan election director Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the coalition would continue to highlight the people’s concerns and offer solutions to unresolved bread-and-butter issues.
“The people’s aspirations will never be taken lightly. Instead, they will serve as the benchmark in shaping our future course of action.
“Harapan is committed to fulfilling its role as the opposition by ensuring that the state government’s policies and administration are monitored closely and consistently so that the people can enjoy a better quality of life,” he said at a press conference in Johor Bahru that was aired live tonight.
Earlier, unofficial results showed that Barisan Nasional (BN) had secured enough seats to retain the state government.
Amirudin said the Election Commission (EC) had confirmed that Harapan candidates had won at least eight seats in the state polls, with six secured by DAP and one each by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) and Amanah.
The Selangor Menteri Besar and Keadilan vice-president added that the outcome in Johor served as a call for Harapan members and machinery to further strengthen their efforts and outreach, as well as engage more voters ahead of the 16th General Election.
He also said the Johor election demonstrated that Harapan and BN remained the two largest coalitions in the state.
Asked whether the election result was expected, Amirudin said Harapan faced several challenges, particularly as the election was called earlier than expected when the coalition was not fully prepared.
“However, at the very least, Harapan had presented an almost complete offering, from the list of candidates to the manifesto and several proposals.”
