Final Day Of Johor Polls Campaign, Voters Are No Longer ‘Blind And Deaf’

TODAY marks the final stage of the Johor state election campaign before the people of Johor choose which party will form the state government.

After nearly two weeks of campaigning that saw various tales, stories and attacks between rival parties, the time has come for all parties, candidates and campaign machinery to close the curtain in an orderly manner.

The campaigning period which began on June 27 has now reached its climax ahead of polling day tomorrow. The storyline and outcome of tomorrow’s state election will certainly be different from what transpired in the 2022 state election.

The competition between Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH), Perikatan Nasional (PN), Parti Bersama Malaysia (BERSAMA), Parti Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia (MUDA), as well as Independent candidates, offers various manifestos and approaches, reflecting the diversity of choices in the country’s democratic system.

Democracy through the electoral system is not measured by the number of candidates and parties contesting or the voter turnout rate, but rather through the willingness of all parties to respect the free, fair and transparent process.

The ‘grand finale’ of the campaign today until midnight should serve as a platform for parties and candidates to deliver their final messages to the people through offers of hope and promises that are rational and, more importantly, deliverable. Not merely sweet promises that are not grounded in reality.

There should be no more campaigns that incite hatred, play up racial or religious sentiments, or spread false information to bring down opponents at the last minute.

Voters are also no longer ‘blind’ and ‘deaf’ to all forms of campaigning carried out over the past two weeks. It can be said that voters have already made their early decision on which candidate and party they will vote for tomorrow.

Living in an era where social media dominates human life, every political supporter also bears the responsibility of ensuring that polling day takes place peacefully, calmly and smoothly.

More importantly, the cooling-off period must be fully complied with by all machinery. Election regulations are not created to restrict freedom of speech, but to ensure that voters have the space to make rational considerations without pressure or interference.

Most importantly, the integrity of the electoral process can be upheld provided that all parties respect the law.

Ultimately, whoever is chosen by the people to form the state government, it should be accepted openly by all, candidates and contesting parties, as well as the people of Johor.

For the parties and candidates who win, the mandate received is not to be boasted about or glorified, but rather the responsibility and trust as people’s representatives must be fulfilled to the voters, the community and the state.

Those who lose must respect the people’s decision. That is the foundation of a healthy democracy. The Johor state election is not merely a contest for 56 State Legislative Assembly seats, but a platform to measure the political maturity of our people.

The Johor state election will pass, but the country will face another state election in Negeri Sembilan after this. What is important is that the people must be prepared to fulfil their responsibility and exclusive right guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.

Berita Harian