PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Razak claimed he has been a “punching bag” during the Johor state election campaign by certain parties even though he is not contesting.

       The former prime minister said that despite the “attacks” from politicians of different parties, he is committed to helping the Barisan Nasional machinery to win the election.

       “I am only helping Barisan to win the mandate from the Johoreans, the land where my mother was born,” he said in a Facebook live session on Thursday (March 10).

       Najib also urged the people in Johor to vote for the best candidates who would be able to bring the state back to its glory.

       He said that since the last general election in 2018, the state’s development and performance had been downhill.

       “Johor has to return to the right track. Johor could be the turning point for the country to return to its glory,” he added.

       Najib also said he was shocked to see the warm reception by Johoreans throughout his visit in the state.

       He added that his “Bossku” slogan had also gained traction among the Chinese and Indian community in the state, which he said was “something new”.

       Barisan is contesting all 56 seats in the state election.