JOHOR BARU: Barisan Nasional’s landslide victory in the Johor election is unexpected, says its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.He expressed his gratitude to voters as the coalition had once again been entrusted to lead the state.
The coalition, he said, should not be arrogant following this victory.
“Our victory is a gift to all Johoreans who gave us their support. We hope this will continue until the upcoming general election,” he said in his speech at the Johor Umno headquarters here.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad’s name had been presented to Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar as the Mentri Besar.
“God willing, after getting consent from His Highness, Hasni will continue as the Johor Mentri Besar.
“Barisan will continue to give its utmost support to Hasni in carrying out our pledges in the ‘Ikhtiar BN Johor’ to the people,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid also thanked all Barisan leaders, including component party presidents MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran.
He paid tribute to Barisan advisory board chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is the campaign manager in the Johor election.
Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the comfortable win would ensure Johoreans’ peace and harmony for the next five years.
“With the help of all, we managed to wrestle back Johor from Pakatan Harapan, which won in the 14th general election,” he said.
Meanwhile, MCA delivered four seats with a handsome majority in Yong Peng, Paloh, Bekok and Pekan Nanas.
Earlier, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong could not contain his joy when Barisan candidate Ling Tian Soon won in Yong Peng.
“I feel extremely moved at this moment, as Tian Soon has won the Yong Peng state seat. His hard work finally paid off,’’ he said.
Dr Wee was also elated when Tan Eng Meng captured the Pekan Nanas seat with a bigger majority than the last general election.
“I’m thankful to the Pekan Nanas voters. The team of (Tanjung Piai MP) Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng and Eng Meng have indeed worked hard,’’ he said.
Dr Wee also lauded political greenhorn Lee Ting Han, who won the Paloh state seat in his first attempt, and called on the young leader to work harder for the people now.
In Yong Peng, MCA’s Ling Tian Soon won with a 2,741 majority in a three-cornered fight while in Bekok, Tan Chong clinched a 3,569 majority against three other rivals.
In Pekan Nanas, Tan Eng Meng won with a 5,248 majority in a four-way battle while in Paloh, unofficial results as of press time showed that MCA’s Lee Ting Han won with a 3,176 majority against three other candidates.