Barisan Nasional will not resort to attacking its political opponents during campaigning for the Johor state election, its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has declared, signalling a shift towards issue-based politics as the campaign period approaches.
Speaking to reporters after attending an event at Masjid Sultan Iskandar in Bandar Dato's Onn, Johor Baru, the Deputy Prime Minister said BN's campaign approach would focus on issues affecting the rakyat and on presenting constructive proposals that could benefit voters in Johor and beyond.
"Barisan's approach would be implemented not only in Johor but also in other states that may face elections in the future," Zahid said, emphasising that the coalition would maintain a disciplined and positive tone throughout the campaign.
The BN chairman also provided an update on candidate selection, confirming that the coalition would announce its candidates for the Johor polls approximately one week before nomination day on June 27. He said the selection process was currently in its final stage, with further details to be disclosed once the list had been fully endorsed by the coalition's leadership.
Zahid's remarks come amid an increasingly heated political environment in Johor, where multiple coalitions and parties are preparing to contest the 56 state seats. The BN chairman's pledge to avoid personal attacks stands in contrast to the often combative rhetoric that has characterised recent Malaysian election campaigns.
In a separate but related development, Zahid also addressed the emergence of new Malay-based political parties, including Parti Wawasan Negara, which recently absorbed the Reset Movement's Johor divisions. He said any individual or political figure was free to establish a new party as long as it helped unite Malays rather than deepen existing divisions.
"Differences in opinion should be channelled into advancing national interests, Islamic causes and the welfare of future generations, without sidelining other races and religions in the country," Zahid added.
BN is expected to contest the Johor election under its traditional dacing (scales) logo, as confirmed by party secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir. The coalition faces a complex electoral landscape with Pakatan Harapan contesting separately in Negeri Sembilan while maintaining federal-level cooperation.
Political observers note that BN's strategy of focusing on policy proposals rather than personal attacks could help the coalition appeal to undecided voters, particularly the growing segment of younger voters who have shown less tolerance for negative campaigning.
With nomination day set for June 27 and polling expected in mid-July, the Johor state election is widely viewed as a key indicator of the national political mood ahead of the next general election.
Sources: The Star, Malay Mail, Bernama
